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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 about Matt's motorcycle concerns Lizabeth the most?

2. How many children does Lizabeth have?

3. Whom does Lizabeth's aunt hit with her car?

4. Why does the trio stop the chase?

5. What game does Matt play with Lizabeth's children?

Short Essay Questions

1. Matt is quickly becoming a close friend of the family, having already charmed Elsie and Lizabeth. What does Matt do to gain Jason and Billy's affections?

2. What do you think was the purpose of including the fact that Lizabeth wanted to be a fairy when she grew up?

3. What does Lizabeth's house symbolize in the novel?

4. What does Lizabeth realize about the flasher after he races by her house and waves to her in Chapter 4?

5. What happens when Lizabeth thinks she hears the flasher throwing stones against her window the morning after her first sighting of him?

6. How does Matt attempt to keep Lizabeth's mind off of her boys being gone?

7. Aunt Elsie is determined to stay up and see the "pervert." Is her (im)patience rewarded? How does she react to his appearance?

8. The novel starts with Lizabeth looking for a job at a construction site. What do you think the draw of a job in the construction industry would be to a woman like Lizabeth?

9. Why is Lizabeth surprised by Paul's request to take the boys for a two-week vacation?

10. Compare/contrast Lizabeth's relationship with Paul to her relationship with Matt.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several uses of symbolism in this novel. Select two and thoroughly explain the relationship between the symbol and what it represents. What is its importance to the story line?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Matt and Lizabeth develops rather quickly, almost suddenly. The spark and heat between the characters is described almost immediately. Why do you think the author chose to move so quickly into the development of a physical relationship before the growth of an emotional relationship? Do you think she is advocating a love-at-first-sight approach? Why or why not? What purpose does this serve for the story line?

Essay Topic 3

Which character serves as the antagonist for this novel? What about that person makes him/her the antagonist? Is there more than one antagonist? If so, who? Which antagonist is more important to the story line and why? Or are they equally important? If so, why?

(see the answer keys)

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