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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 allows Jones to conclude that Min will return home?

2. As the story begins, what is Lutie looking at?

3. Who approaches Lutie just as she is about to leave Junto's?

4. From whose point of view is Chapter 5 written?

5. How does Bub feel in his mother's presence?

Short Essay Questions

1. Lutie secures the job at the Chandlers', but she is unable to share her joy with her husband. Why is this?

2. Chapter 5 introduces the relationship between Mrs. Hedges and Min. How would you describe this relationship? Why does Min finds refuge in Mrs. Hedges?

3. After reading Chapter 5, it is clear what motivates Min. Using the knowledge you've gained about Min, compare her to Lutie. How do the women differ? What characteristics do they share?

4. How does chapter 3 illustrate the racism and sexism faced by Lutie? Provide at least 1 example of each.

5. Chapter 1 outlines the dynamics of Lutie's household. Lutie's father's girlfriend, Lil, has Bub lighting her cigarettes and tasting her gin. How does Lil's behavior reflect and amplify Lutie's fears for her son?

6. Why has Lutie failed, up until Chapter 9, to consider that Bub might be afraid of staying home alone?

7. How does the stolen purse incident reflect the theme of the book?

8. Boots treats Lutie as if she were prey. Does Lutie behaves as prey? Explain.

9. While riding with Boots, Lutie comes to the conclusion that it would be better to be born with no brain than to understand everything you cannot reach. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

10. What does Lutie feels she sees in the eyes of the neighborhood people, specifically the people she sees in the emergency room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jones suffers from some sort of mental disease. This fact is noted throughout The Street. Still, not one of the characters suggests that Jones might seek professional help for his condition. Why do you think the characters just dismiss Jones' state as hopeless? Why do you think Jones hasn't considered professional help himself? How might Jones be different if he were shown a bit of compassion from those who surround him? And lastly, what does his dismissal suggest about the society we live in?

Essay Topic 2

Up until the novel's end, Lutie can be heralded as a virtuous character. Then, she kills Boots. In an essay, chart Lutie's decline and go further to explain it. What is the author's message in the demise of her main and moral character?

Essay Topic 3

The Street ends tragically. Not only is Lutie now a murderer, but she has abandoned her child. Considering the gravity of both of these acts, are you sympathetic to Lutie? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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