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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 Mother's body is hidden, who begins writing to Mother?

2. Who bought the item that Tom is wearing as Sue and Julie laugh?

3. How much did the item cost that Tom is wearing as Sue and Julie laugh?

4. Who applies the seal to the trunk?

5. What makes Jack smile after being punched?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the conversation Derek strikes up at the pool hall when he starts playing.

2. What sense does Jack experience after his mother's death? What does he say is lacking from that sense?

3. What does Derek say and how does he act when he catches Julie and Jack naked together?

4. Three weeks after Mother's death, how does Sue spend her time?

5. What is Jack's science fiction novel about and what question does Jack pose regarding it?

6. Describe Jack's recurring nightmare.

7. What is the conversation between Derek and Jack as they leave the pool hall?

8. What happened to the children when they were left alone one time previously?

9. Explain the incident involving a frog in the garden.

10. Three weeks after Mother's death, how does Jack spend his time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify and discuss three points of foreshadowing from the novel. Did the author use foreshadowing effectively? Why or why not? Define foreshadowing in your essay as well. What role does foreshadowing play in literature?

Essay Topic 2

Define rising action as an element of plot. Discuss in detail the rising action in The Cement Garden. How did it flow? How did the rising action add to the suspense of the story, or did it?

Essay Topic 3

What is the difference between conflict and crisis in a novel? How are they similar? Also relate the differences and similarities specifically to The Cement Garden.

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