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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. When did Lynette meet JJ?

2. At what time does Lynette go to the Original Hotcake House?

3. How does Kansas open the safe?

4. How much money does Cody offer for the Mercedes?

5. Why does Lynette not use the heater in her car?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lynette cry when she thinks of her grandfather?

2. How does Cody have $7,000 for the Mercedes?

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

4. Why has Cody not bought a car if he has the money for it?

5. How does Kansas say he will kill Lynette?

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

7. What is Gloria’s character like?

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

9. What is Gloria’s physical appearance like?

10. What was Gloria’s upbringing like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most complicated relationships in the novel is that between Lynette and her mother Doreen. While Lynette has devoted her life to trying to hold on to their house, her mother ultimately decides to divide the family and find new homes, thereby extinguishing her daughter’s dreams. Write an essay about the relationship between Lynette and Doreen.

Essay Topic 2

One of the more powerful presences in the novel is that of Gloria. She and Lynette are friends, yet Gloria refuses to pay Lynette the money she owes her even though Gloria has it, so Lynette steals Gloria’s safe. Write an essay about the relationship between Lynette and Gloria. What does this relationship tell readers about each woman's character?

Essay Topic 3

Lynette’s encounter with Rodney is another moment of danger for Lynette. Like Kansas, Rodney, too, backs out of the arrangement to which he initially agreed with Lynette and demands what she gives him for free. Write an essay analyzing the character of Rodney and his role in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 727 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample