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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 is Ruby to do in Jamie's scheme?

2. What does Cora imply about the incident the day before with Ruby getting drunk?

3. What does Cora realize on Christmas day?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Cora say about leaving Ruby when Ruby was young and how does Ruby respond?

2. Describe Ruby's confrontation at Marshall's place.

3. What happens when Ruby gets back to Cora and Jaime's house and is obviously impaired?

4. How does Ruby impress Harriett at work?

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

6. For what does Ruby thank Olivia and what is Olivia's reply?

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

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

9. What does Gervais want when he comes over to Ruby's house on Christmas?

10. What does Cora say in response learning she is still not pregnant, and how does this bring the sisters closer together?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Lock and Key based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Lock and Key is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Lock and Key a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Lock and Key, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Lock and Key. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

One day Ruby is with Olivia as she shouts for her friend Laney to "pick up the pace." Olivia says Laney has taken on a project she can't possibly complete and that she should have begun with a lighter running program before training for a race. One day Ruby and Olivia are talking about friendships. Olivia says no two people are going to see things the same meaning if you find someone to share a couple of things with, you should hold onto them as friends. Ruby is struck by Olivia's friendship to Laney. When Laney is the last one making an appearance to finish the race, Olivia is the only one still at the finish line. She's cheering Laney on and Ruby realizes that Laney didn't need the crowd remaining to cheer for her. Instead, she just needed Olivia.

1. Discuss the ways in which you think Olivia demonstrates she knows how to be a good friend, both to Ruby and Laney and even Gervais. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

2. Olivia says no two people are going to see things with the same meaning if you find someone to share a couple of things with, you should hold onto them as friends. Discuss, in detail, what you think Olivia means by this statement. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss Ruby's life and why that life might have made her be so touched by Olivia's demonstration of friendship. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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