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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. How long has Julia lived in the town in #16?

2. Why is Julia sure that everyone in town will very soon know all about her business and the little boy?

3. Who is the executor of Wesley Lloyd's estate?

4. What is weighing on Julia's mind as she spends an afternoon at home?

5. How is Brother Vern related to Hazel Puckett?

Short Essay Questions

1. How recently has Julia Springer been widowed and what is she doing as the novel begins?

2. Why does Julia not know how to deal with any romantic overtures from Sam?

3. What is Julia's first response after the boy is left at her house and why does she change her mind?

4. Describe the events that happened to Hazel after she and Brother Vern dropped Little Lloyd at Julia's house.

5. Why does Julia think that her house was ransacked?

6. How does Julia plan to make her dead husband suffer by the way she manages this situation?

7. What element of foreshadowing does the author insert into the barbershop scene?

8. What do Julia, Detective Bates and Little Lloyd discover when they enter Hazel Puckett's house?

9. What advice does Binkie Enloe give to Julia regarding any lawsuits filed?

10. What is Lillian's perspective on why Little Lloyd left his bag of possessions at Julia's house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does Ross end the story on a note of hope for Julia or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with her flawed relationship with her dead husband, Wesley Lloyd? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Ross is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them, and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

What is the overall setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period, and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Ross choose to use these places in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,086 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample