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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. Which important test did Bill fail when he took it?

2. With which of these companies does the town previously have a contract?

3. Where does Bill go to study in chapter 5?

4. Where does Ronny Lawton's estranged wife work?

5. What country is Bill's grandfather originally from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ronny Lawton's estranged wife.

2. Describe Bill's mother.

3. How does Ronny Lawton feel about the Vietnam War and Charlie? Explain.

4. How does Ronny Lawton's estranged wife know Darlene?

5. What are some of the questions Ronny is asked during his lie detector test?

6. Why does the town collectively feel that Ronny Lawton killed his father for sure?

7. List the reasons Ed gives for his irritation with Bill over Darlene in chapter 10.

8. List three of the four big newspapers that pick up the Ronny Lawton story.

9. Describe how Bill reacted right after his fathers death.

10. Describe what "Car Theft" is by Darlene's definition.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ronny Lawton's disposition went through a radical change the night he was beaten by his father for taking his mother out. Before that night he worked hard to provide the things his father could not.

Write an essay that explains the changes Ronny went through. How do these changes impact Ronny's character as the story goes forward? By the end, is any semblance of his old personality evident or has he changed forever? Why or why not? Reference the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Bill feels a great sense of freedom after he, Teri, and Lucas leave the cottage in the woods. For the first time in a long time there is some semblance of peace in his mind.

Write an essay exploring how Bill feels about his new found sense of release. What is his lookout on the future? Is he happy, scared, excited, or something else? What is he going to do now that he is free from the shadow of his mansion and past? Who is he taking with him? Reference the novel to support your opinions.

Essay Topic 3

Darlene is a character that we learn about mostly through other characters. She is portrayed as both confidant and possible villain.

Write an essay exploring what Darlene's true personality is. Is she someone to be trusted? Why or why not? What actions does she take that make her seem one way or another? How does her character impact events throughout the book? Use examples from the novel to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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