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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 long has Myrtle served as the Commissioner of Corrections?

2. What does Pat claim as he leaves Lila's bedroom?

3. What does Pat wonder about Doc?

4. What does Pat notice about the Capitol building?

5. Where did Pat grow up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lila do to make Pat uncomfortable?

2. Why doesn't Madeline share her life story with Pat?

3. Why is Doc jealous of Bill Hardesty?

4. Why is Myrtle Briscoe upset over Pat's parole?

5. How does Pat feel about the woman he sees at the Capitol building?

6. Pat overhears Doc arguing with another man by his car. What does Pat conclude about the argument between Doc and the other man?

7. After the incident with Madeline in the parking lot, what does Doc tell Pat?

8. What is Pat's physical description of Doc?

9. How does Pat get his job at the Highway Commission?

10. Describe Pat's new home.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do the setting and tone of the story contribute to the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Doc's outward appearance of an easy-going man contrasts with his manipulation of Pat's current living situation. How is he able to control Pat's actions without acting controlling towards Pat?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of greed is seen throughout the novel, especially in the corrupt world of Doc Luther. Examine how greed affects Doc Luther's life. Use and expand on at least three examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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