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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 does Ezra react when his mask slips?

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

3. What does Nyle choose to do?

4. What doesn't Nyle tell Muncie about the puppy?

5. Why are the farm inhabitants fairly safe from radiation?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Ezra upset after Nyle reads her paper to him?

4. How does Nyle wisely help Ezra feel comfortable in her room?

5. How do you think Nyle may be compounding the rift in her friendship with Muncie in this chapter?

6. What is a theme that appears in this chapter, which has appeared in previous chapters and give an example of how the theme is illustrated.

7. How does Nyle show wisdom in her interaction with Ezra about the puppy?

8. What sort of epiphany does Nyle have about Ezra as he begins to heal?

9. What is the difference in the way Nyle and Ezra interpret Nyle's history assignment?

10. How does Muncie respond to Nyle finally telling her about Ezra? Do you think Muncie's response is reasonable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of symbols that appear throughout the text. One of the ones that appears in a number of chapters is that of the curtain in the back room. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. What does the closed curtain signify? Give examples.

2. What does the open curtain signify? Give examples.

3. What is the broader implication of the symbolic meaning of the curtain?

4. Is there a symbol that represents the same thing as the curtain in your own life? What? How did it come to have that meaning for you?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 8, Nyle thinks about how the back room used to symbolize happiness for her. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Compare and contrast how the back room was used in better times to the way the back room is used as a "hospital" room.

2. What is ironic about the fact that Nyle's tears of anger and grief are what seems to jolt Ezra into communicating briefly?

3. Does the emotional meaning of the back room change at some point for Nyle? Explain, using examples.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 13, Nyle attempts to get Ezra out of bed and out of the room. In his anger, he jumps out of bed and hustles over to the door. Frozen by fear, he pauses, and then gives in and takes refuge in his bed. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What is ironic about Ezra feeling safe and perhaps even a little happy in this room, knowing how Nyle at this point in the story feels about the same room?

2. Do you think it is important that Ezra have a place where he feels safe? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Ezra should be pushed a little to leave the room or do you think he should be allowed to decide when he is ready? Explain your answer.

4. What do you think happens to change Ezra's emotional state to the point that he finally is able to leave the room? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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