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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. What becomes easier for Ezra?

2. Why does Ripley start crying?

3. What does Nyle do as she is left alone?

4. Why does Nyle lunge towards Ripley?

5. What does Nyle choose to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do you think indicates Ezra's change of feelings towards Nyle from a stranger to a friend, and perhaps even more? How does this contrast to Nyle's statement in chapter 13?

3. Why do you think Ezra stiffens up when they come close to the house and there is smoke?

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

5. Do you think the government would be as unresponsive in "real" life to people caught in a nuclear accident such as the one that happens in this story?

6. How does Nyle react to the idea of Ezra wearing Gramps clothing and what do you think is the reason for her reaction?

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

8. Describe the altercation between Ripley and the three friends.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

In chapter 6, Mrs. Trent asks Nyle if she would dip the washcloth into the sweet water and dab it on Ezra's lips. Immediately, Nyle remembers her grandmother promised that she would not have to tend to Ezra's physical needs, but she sees the look of exhaustion on Mrs. Trent's face and decides that this is another one of those things that "she needed to do." Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Compare and contrast how Nyle feels about caring for Ezra when she first starts the care giving to near the end of the time Nyle has to care for him.

2. What do you think shifts Nyle's attitude? Give examples.

3. Do you think it is fair of Gran to expect Nyle to care for a stranger? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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