View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What prevents Nadine from committing fully to a relationship with Jules?

2. Why does Jim find himself attracted to Maureen?

3. The third book begins in what year?

4. Who does Jules murder?

5. How does Mort feel about America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Books one and two both end with a catastrophic event for one of the main characters. Why do you think that the author decided to structure the novel this way? What are the benefits of creating such a structure? What are the drawbacks? What are some other ways in which the author might have chosen to structure the novel? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Violence is another prominent theme throughout the course of the novel. How do violent actions, perpetuated by the main characters and others, affect the lives of the main characters? What changes occur as a result of these actions? Why does the theme of violence seem so closely related with the theme of poverty? Do you think that a less poverty-stricken lifestyle would have resulted in less violence in the lives of the main characters? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Jules and Maureen are both very optimistic as children, but are also capable of detaching themselves from frightening or emotionally damaging situations, such as their father's death. Is this an odd combination of character traits? Why or why not? What is the ultimate result of their hopefulness? Do you think that Betty is justified in ridiculing her siblings for their optimistic attitudes? Why or why not? In what ways are they similar to Loretta as a child? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 369 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample