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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. In Part IV, what gift does Mrs. Mahon bring for Thomas?

2. How does Kacey feel about Simon in Part III?

3. Where does Gee live?

4. What is Mickey most embarrassed about during her last visit to Truman's house in Part III?

5. What is one of the major things Truman and Mickey used to bond over?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does it turn out that Bethany and Thomas were during the time they were missing?

2. Why is it such a problem for Mickey when it is a snow day?

3. In Part IV, why is Mickey so frantic when she comes home to find Bethany and Thomas gone?

4. Why does Mickey decide not to call Truman to apologize in Part IV, even though she wants to every single day?

5. Why does Mickey refuse to let Thomas see his father?

6. Why does Gee despise Mickey's father so much?

7. In Part IV, what does Mickey do to Truman that she is deeply ashamed of the following morning?

8. In Part IV, who does Truman suggest to Mickey might be a suspect in the murders and why?

9. What does Mickey find in Gee's house on Christmas Day that shocks her?

10. In Part III, what happens at Thomas's birthday party that is a disaster?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Mickey's perception of her own role in the mess that was her relationship with Simon Cleare change as she ages, and over the course of the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the various descriptions of babies throughout the novel - Mickey's love for Thomas; Kacey's yearning to see Thomas; Mrs. Mahon's volunteer work with the babies going through withdrawal; and the conclusion of the novel with Kacey, Mickey, and Mrs. Mahon in the NICU. Write an essay describing the different meanings and symbolism Moore bestows upon babies throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring Moore's treatment of the theme of trust throughout the novel, especially as it relates to Mickey's relationships with those closest to her.

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