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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. After telling Zoe about Roy, what does Lucas ask her about Connor?

2. What is scag?

3. Who trips over Lucas in the dark outside of the NA meeting?

4. Why does Connor say he does not want to commit suicide anymore?

5. What happens when Connor leaves Lucas and the kitten to go to the bathroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Lucas avoid Vietnam and why?

2. How was it that Zoe came to attempt suicide?

3. What did Lucas know and not know about Zoe?

4. Why does Roy come home from Vietnam?

5. How does Lucas's mother react when he tells her he is taking Roy to an NA meeting, and what does her reaction reveal about her?

6. How does Lucas learn about the gun?

7. What story does Joe tell at the NA meeting?

8. Describe Lucas's relationship with Harris.

9. According to Connor, why is it helpful to talk with Zoe?

10. How does Roy react to Joe's offer to help?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, discuss what the writer seems to be saying about the importance of storytelling. Be sure to consider at least two different examples of "story" in relation to the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Lucas and Connor are the same age and have known each other since childhood. In an essay, compare and contrast their characters.

Essay Topic 3

In an essay, discuss the differing role mother figures and father figures play in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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