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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How have Min's views on paying rent changed since the beginning of the book?
(a) Min used to think that paying rent was so important, now she knows that having room to breathe is far more important.
(b) Min used to think paying rent was a waste of time, now she sees why it's necessary.
(c) Min used to think that paying rent was a man's job, now she sees that it's a woman's job.
(d) Min used to think that paying rent was too difficult, now she believes she can do it.

2. How was Mrs. Hedges affected by the fire?
(a) She began having nightmares after her close friend died in the fire.
(b) She vowed never to live alone again.
(c) She was badly scarred.
(d) She became deathly afraid of fire.

3. How does Jones interact with the men on the street?
(a) He ignores them and they do the same.
(b) He fights with them.
(c) He talks with them about manual labor.
(d) He tries to converse with them, but eventually they walk away from him.

4. How did Junto react to Mrs. Hedges eating chicken out of a trashcan?
(a) He asked her to help him collect bottles and cans and told her he would pay her for her work.
(b) He called her a dirty old woman.
(c) He laughed at her and pointed her out to his friends.
(d) He grabbed the chicken out of her hand and told her to have some respect for herself.

5. What does Mrs. Hedges tell Jones that he has growing on him?
(a) Wildness.
(b) Anger.
(c) Fear.
(d) Mold.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jones believe about the cross hanging over Min's bed?

2. How does Min mark the change in Jones' behavior since Lutie surfaced?

3. Who does Lutie decide to ask for $200.00?

4. Why does Lutie find herself scolding Bub after she returns from The Casino in Chapter 13?

5. Who is the white man that's interested in Lutie?

Short Essay Questions

1. It is both Lutie's presence and her absence that allows Jones to get a hold of Bub. Explain how this is possible.

2. Unfortunately, Bub's demise can be directly tied to Lutie. Despite her many attempts to keep Bub safe, she is actually the bait used to trap him. What message is the author trying to reveal with this fact?

3. Jones is under the impression that Lutie would not have reacted so negatively to his advances if Min had not let the dog out. Is this an accurate assumption on Jones' part? Explain.

4. Why does Jones think that Min is standing between him and Lutie? Is this assumption reasonable? Explain.

5. In Chapter 13, Lutie is yet again propositioned. She's presented with the opportunity to receive free singing lessons if she'd just allow Mr. Crosse to see her a couple of times a week. Lutie refuses. What drives Lutie's determination not to exchange her body for personal advancement?

6. Boots hesitates before conceding to Junto's request that Lutie be left alone. What might that slight hesitation suggest?

7. Throughout the book, Mrs. Hedges has been painted as a negative personality by both Jones and Lutie. On the other hand, Min and Junto regard her highly. Which perception would the author like the reader to trust?

8. In Chapter 17, Lutie is going to visit Bub at the Children's Shelter. The day is dark and grim. How has the author used the weather to supplement the telling of this story? How does the author's decision to use weather to supplement a story's telling impact the reader?

9. What likely drew Junto to Mrs. Hedges?

10. Chapter 18 ends tragically when Lutie repeatedly strikes Boots in the head with a candlestick. What does the author intend for Boots to represent? Why does Lutie feel compelled to strike him so many times?

(see the answer keys)

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