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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. How old is Gloria?

2. Where do Lynette and her mother take their first family vacation?

3. Why does Lynette put Gloria’s things in her purse?

4. Why does Cody want the cocaine?

5. Why does Lynette have to hold Kenny’s hand on city buses?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is inside Gloria’s safe?

2. What was Lynette’s experience like being robbed?

3. What is the nature of Lynette’s first explosion at Jack?

4. How does Kansas say he will kill Lynette?

5. How did Lynette see Kenny after she ran away from home?

6. What happened to Jack after he broke up with Lynette?

7. How did Lynette’s grandfather’s death change her life?

8. What is the nature of the conflict between JJ and Lynette?

9. What was Gloria’s upbringing like?

10. What is Cody’s physical appearance like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lynette’s relationship with her brother Kenny is particularly problematic. In addition to working several jobs while battling mental illness, Lynette has to often serve as the primary caretaker for Kenny. Write an essay about the relationship between Lynette and Kenny and how it drives the novel.

Essay Topic 2

In addition to working two low-wage jobs, Lynette has taken to sex work to help her save the money she needs to buy the house. Lynette’s first client treats her well but refuses to continue seeing her after she reveals personal information to him. Write an essay about the relationship between Lynette and her first client.

Essay Topic 3

Lynette’s encounter with Kansas is a pivotal moment at which her desperation for money begins to endanger her life. Kansas refuses to accept her offer for opening the safe and insists on its contents instead, threatening to kill her in the process. Write an essay analyzing the character of Kansas and what his role is the novel is.

(see the answer keys)

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