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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. Ma used to arrange the items on the shelf _____________________.

2. What does Billie Jo realize about Louise?

3. Where will Billie Jo not allow Louise to go?

4. What does Louise arrange in a bowl?

5. What do the thoughts of her mother prompt Billie Jo to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the lack of cranberry sauce such a poignant lack at Christmas dinner?

2. How does Billie Jo attempt to escape her life and the dust?

3. What does Billie Jo admit to herself about her mother's death, her father's indifference toward her and her need to escape this life?

4. Explain Billie Jo's cautious optimism where Louise is concerned.

5. How does Billie Jo finally come to terms with the dust and its full impact on her life?

6. How does fire seem to be an ever-present threat in Billie Jo's life?

7. How does Billie Jo block Louise's entry into a part of their lives?

8. How does the lack of a mother make Billie Jo unsure of how to manage her feelings about Mad Dog?

9. Why are the migrant workers leaving the area in such large numbers?

10. How can something as normal as rain be viewed as special to Billie Jo and the people in town?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Louise and what is her role in the family? Is Billie Jo right to be cautiously optimistic about Louise's presence in her life? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story such as the piano and the pond. Cite at least three examples of symbolism and support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of Billie Jo. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 895 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample