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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. Who shows up while Nyle is still alone?

2. What book does Ezra choose out of Nyle's collection?

3. How does Ezra begin healing emotionally?

4. What does Nyle do when she and Ezra are upstairs in Nyle's room?

5. What does Muncie say about Ezra?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Muncie prove that despite her ups and downs with her friendship with Nyle she is a true friend?

2. How does Nyle and Gran's discussion about the Trent's future show Nyle's continued maturing?

3. What is admirable about Uncle Lemmy's choices after the nuclear disaster?

4. How is Nyle still avoiding making things right with Muncie?

5. How do you think the image of sheep is used by Ezra in this chapter?

6. What happens that probably garners sympathy for Ripley on the part of the characters and readers?

7. What gets Nyle thinking about her father and why is she mad at him (though, perhaps she unconscious of the reason)?

8. Why do you think Nyle and Ezra are awkward with each other when put in a position that it seems they must acknowledge something about their relationship?

9. What are signs of Ezra's improvement?

10. How does Ezra respond to the sirens they hear, and why do you think he reacts the way he does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 15, Nyle brings up the idea of Mrs. Trent and Ezra staying on after Ezra is well. Gran tells her that it is important for them to make a fresh start, and in order to do so, Mrs. Trent and Ezra need to leave. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Do you think Mrs. Trent and Ezra would be unable to heal emotionally from the accident if they continue to live in the area? Why or why not?

2. This small act of letting go that Nyle does in chapter 15 is a prelude to a much greater act of letting go that Nyle must do in chapter 29. What happens that helps Nyle mature to the point that she learns to let go? Give some examples of her maturing process between chapters 15 and 29.

3. At this point in the story, it seems possible that Ezra will heal completely and be able to start a new life elsewhere. Knowing how so much of what happens in this chapter and the next 10 or so chapters, points to a complete recovery, how hard is it for you, the reader, to also "let go" and accept that Ezra dies? Do you feel tricked or cheated?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 11, Ezra says he feels like a phoenix and how good it feels to be alive. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What is a phoenix? From what culture does the image of the phoenix come?

2. The image of the phoenix occurs in chapter 12 and chapter 21, both in relation to Ezra. Analyze how the image is used in both places and discuss how you think the phoenix is a good image for Ezra.

3. Knowing that Ezra dies in the end, so in a sense he does not rise from the ashes as a phoenix does, how does that inform the title of this book? How could the symbol of the phoenix apply to Ezra at the end of the book?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter one and other subsequent chapters, Ripley taunts Muncie for being different physically from the average person. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. Discuss Muncie's physical differences and how that probably impacts her emotional responses to people. Give examples to support your thesis.

2. How has taunting of someone caused terrible repercussions in some school settings? Give examples and your analysis of the situations.

3. What are ways to teach children to accept differences? What could have been done to help Ripley accept differences? Give examples from your experience and the book.

(see the answer keys)

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