View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 8, how does Lizabeth justify the decision she has made about her relationship with Matt?

2. Matt tells Billy that something destroyed the kitchen. What was it?

3. What is the name of the neighbor whose house Lizabeth disparages in Chapter 7?

4. Why is Lizabeth shocked by Matt's appearance when he tells her he can't go home?

5. How many sisters does Matt have?

Short Essay Questions

1. In fairly typical romance-novel fashion, the story wraps up with Matt and Lizabeth marrying and living happily ever after. Given the short time they've known each other and the tumultuous relationship they have had up to that point, how believable do you find the story? If you find it quite believable, why? What is it about the genre that makes it so popular, and how does that apply to this book?

2. Elsie finds out the first name of the flasher and where he lives. What does Lizabeth choose to do with this information?

3. A comic moment takes place in Chapter 8 when Matt tackles the man he thinks is the flasher. Why did Matt tackle the man, and who is he?

4. What agreement is struck between Matt and Lizabeth after their jog, and why do you think Matt's purpose is in entering into that agreement?

5. After arguing the night before, Lizabeth finds herself alone in the morning and much of the rest of the day. What does Matt say that expresses the confusion he is feeling about their relationship when they finally do meet up?

6. As Lizabeth spends most of the barbecue trying to identify the flasher, one man in particular catches her eye. What does she do to try to find out if he is the flasher, and what is the result?

7. Matt's strained relationship with his father is a source of aggravation for him. Though he doesn't tell Lizabeth the entire story, what happens in Chapter 7 to further bolster that explanation?

8. How does the flasher make up for his actions after losing his temper at being ignored by Matt and Lizabeth? Describe his appearance when he makes arrangements.

9. At the barbecue, Ferguson steals the ham and runs off. Describe what happens next.

10. Lizabeth makes the decision to cut Matt out of her life, no matter how painful the excision will be. What is her reasoning for feeling that she must do this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Matt is fairly secretive about his past and childhood until the end of the novel. What do you think is the purpose of the author placing character background so far into the story? Why wouldn't she give the reader Matt's background in the beginning?

Essay Topic 2

What is the overriding theme of the novel? How is this shown in the dialogue among the characters? How do the characters' interactions support this theme?

Essay Topic 3

Matt is jealous of Lizabeth's family. It is what he has always wanted. What importance do you think this has in Matt's developing a romantic relationship with Lizabeth? Before the reader is told about Matt's past, what did the importance of Lizabeth's sons and aunt lead the reader to believe about Matt's childhood?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,177 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample