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

Short Answer Questions

1. Jules breaks the windows to what type of business?

2. To whom is Maureen writing in Chapter 8 of the second book?

3. How does Loretta initially react when Maureen tells her of her plans to marry Jim?

4. The third book begins in what year?

5. Why does Maureen want to get married?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The poverty-stricken and violent lifestyle endured by Loretta, as a child, continues on to her own children. Why is the cycle perpetuated with her own children? Is there anything she could have done differently do break this cycle? What was Loretta's childhood like? How did the cycle begin? Do you think Maureen will be able to break this cycle with her own child(ren)? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Jules's experience with fire is mentioned throughout the novel. How did his early experiences with fire shape his violent tendencies later on in life? Why is Jules so preoccupied with the concept of fire? How does his preoccupation with it tie into his participation in the race riots? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Loretta doesn't understand why she has no connection with her children as adults. What do you think is the reason for the disconnect between them? Is there anything that Loretta could have done differently? Why does Loretta hypothesize that maybe she had the wrong children? Do you think she really believes this? Or is she simply trying to find a reason so she doesn't have to feel guilty? Do you think the disconnect is a result of Loretta's parenting, the family's situation, or a combination of the two? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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This section contains 351 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample