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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. Why do Laura, Donna, and Maddy cover up the light emanating from the house into the fort?

2. To whom is Laura referring when she writes, "I think that the times that I have to go into the woods at night have poisoned me?" (55)

3. Why does Laura choose the name Troy for her pony?

4. On August 6, 1986, Laura reports that she no longer sleeps at all. What is her reason?

5. How does Laura feel after her foray into the woods with the Canadians and with Donna?

Short Essay Questions

1. What method does Laura decide to use in order to drive BOB away and stop the sexual abuse he is inflicting on her?

2. What is Donna's and Laura's goal when they return to the Book House all dressed up in short skirts and made up faces?

3. How does Laura respond to Maddy's offer to share some of her cigarettes with Donna and Laura on their night in the fort?

4. What do stuffed animals symbolize within the first diary entry?

5. When Donna and Laura leave the guys by the fire in order to relieve themselves, they get really scared. What are they scared of?

6. How is the theme of hope represented in the poem Laura writes on July 30, 1984, entitled "Someday Growing Up Will Come Easier"? (14)

7. What does Donna do when Laura runs out of the house when they are discussing the breakdown of their friendship?

8. What reason does Laura give for feeling sorry for Audrey Horne?

9. What is the significance of the moment when Donna finally shares her sexual fantasies with Laura?

10. What does Laura say about her feelings after the escapade with the Canadian guys in the woods?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways is Laura's character a walking paradox, particularly by the conclusion of the novel? What are these paradoxical qualities enlisted in order to express a particular message about the human condition and what is that message? Prove your claim with textual evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

What is the novel's treatment regarding the theme of hope? Discuss who has or does not have hope, and when, ultimately putting forth a claim stating the author's message about the nature of hope. Provide concrete details from the novel to support your claim.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Donna's role as a foil within the novel. How does her character slowly emerge as a foil to Laura's character and what is the author trying to achieve with the juxtaposition of those two characters? Prove your claims with textual evidence from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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