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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ruby say about herself and Olivia?

2. What does Ruby say to Cora about Cora's discovery?

3. What does Ruby witness at Nate's house?

4. What is Ruby and Cora's mother made to do?

5. About what is Ruby worried one day during a party at their house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nate tell Ruby about his mother's new life?

2. What changes have been going on with Gervais?

3. What does Ruby learn Harriet has done when Ruby arrives at the kiosk the Friday after Thanksgiving?

4. What does Nate bring Ruby and what is his response to her questions?

5. What does Cora learn about her and Ruby's mother?

6. What does Ruby overhear when she goes to the Cross house for the pies?

7. What does Ruby do with Jamie on Christmas Eve?

8. Why is Cora nervous about Thanksgiving and where does Ruby find Cora on the day?

9. Describe Nate and Ruby's visit to the vacant apartment.

10. What does Nate ask Ruby when she returns his sweatshirt and how does she respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Lock and Key.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Lock and Key. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Lock and Key. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Harriett explains that in her family, someone is always mad at someone else and so the two are not speaking. However, later there will be some different argument so the two have to make up in order to band against someone else. Harriett seems to believe this is typical of families and Reggie says this explains a great deal about Harriett. His own thoughts about families are very different. He talks about shared history and beginnings. As they laugh at each other's thoughts, they both realize they are considered the black sheep of their respective families. Ruby will later come to discover that shared traits and situations are important to families and friendships.

1. Discuss Harriett's character explaining how the way her family interacts might have helped form the person she is as an adult. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

2. Discuss Reggie's character explaining how the way his family interacts might have helped form the person he is as an adult. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss, in detail, what issues you think Harriett and Reggie might have to deal with given their backgrounds and views on family if they were to ever get married. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Lock and Key and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Lock and Key is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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