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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. Where did Bruce's father go instead of caring for his wife who was recuperating from surgery?

2. Why was Chet's annulled marriage renewed?

3. What does Nola say when Bruce asks her to marry him?

4. What is the subject of the pictures that Bruce sees in the box?

5. What did Bruce and Nola hear on the the night they were at the cabin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Nola avoid having sex with Bruce in the cabin that weekend?

2. How did Bruce separate himself from his own family in favor of the Mulders?

3. What does Bruce recall about Nola's virginity the first time they were intimate?

4. What conclusion does Bruce arrive at regarding Nola's need for a man?

5. What does Bruce recall about spending time at the Mulders' home?

6. Why did Bruce and Nola have few intimate moments together?

7. How have Bruce's perceptions of Nola changed over the years?

8. What does the author reveal about the way Chet had died?

9. Other than leaving Nola, what complicated Bruce's decision regarding going to law school?

10. How does Bruce violate his instincts about bringing any friends into their home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Memories take on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of regret. Identify at least two examples about regret in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of regret.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the setting at the beginning of the novel. Does the author paint a complete picture for the reader? What, if anything, is missing?

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This section contains 871 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample