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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. Where is Nicola when Paula learns of Charlo's death?

2. Where does Paula get the idea to read with Jack?

3. What do Paula and her sisters argue about?

4. Who has Paula's son robbed twice?

5. How did Paula's friends describe Charlo before she met him?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Paula feel when she first started dating Charlo, and why?

2. What about Charlo lingers in the house after his death?

3. How does Paula first see the body of her dead husband?

4. What did Paula not like about Mrs. Spencer when they first met?

5. How does Paula talk herself out of leaving Charlo when she first realizes he is not a nice guy?

6. What does Paula do to get around her own rule?

7. What did Paula like about Mrs. Spencer when they first met?

8. How did Paula learn about sex?

9. What rule does Paula make for herself for the sake of her children?

10. Why did Paula become so vulgar in high school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What were some of the forms of foreshadowing used in this book, and how did those moments affect the course of the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Belonging and security were two themes present in this novel. Where did these themes appear, and which characters were most motivated by them?

Essay Topic 3

What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot altered by the presence of these symbols?

(see the answer keys)

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