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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. How does the narrator describe children in Part Two, Chapter 6?

2. What advice does Pastor Brian, the Pastor from the Crescent church, give to Peter?

3. What does Jeremy ask Sarah Jane for when he arrives at Lisa's farmhouse?

4. What does Irene say in the letter she sends two weeks after she goes missing in Part Two, Chapter 6?

5. Whose life's background is the focus of Part Two, Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Irene places the tract given to her by pastor Michael Christopher in her pocket and then in the "anything drawer" at the house. Why does Irene's placement of the tract give it more meaning?

2. How does Irene view Peter Sample's courtship? What brings her to marry Peter, even though internally she has reservations?

3. Upon Irene's first visit to Michael Christopher's church, what is his interpretation and the importance of the Bible verse from Luke?

4. Why is Sarah Jane truly concerned about Ezra's car accident?

5. How does Lisa explain her reasoning to Sarah Jane for taking the videos and adding the scenes into the movies?

6. When Irene leaves Bible study early and tells Peter it is because the others did not like the question she is asking, what sort of questions is Irene most likely asking that are controversial?

7. The story shifts to the future as Jeremy works his new job and demolishes a shed. It ends by saying, "The shock of the impact, the satisfying crunch of boards cracking under hard steel, the muffled sounds of everything inside being quickly crumpled into unrecognizable pulp" (160). What does Jeremy's illustration say about his past experience in Lisa's shed? In what ways does the account provide further insight into Jeremy's development as a character?

8. In what ways is Irene's new married life in Crescent different from when she lived in Tama? How does the move emotionally affect her?

9. What are some of the first signs that Irene is taking her new church very seriously, and that it may be beginning to take over her life?

10. In Part Three, Chapter 1, what are the two versions of where Irene may be according to the narrator? How do the different stories leave out any definite information?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jeremy's father, Steve, decides to write a new entry in his diary on Page 151. He writes, "Linda, I think Jeremy's hurt or in trouble and I don't know what to do...I can't lost Jeremy. Help me, Linda I don't know what to do" (151). The narrator notes that Steve writes "lost" instead of "lose." The characters in the novel all experience the feeling of being lost and not knowing what to do next. They also go through moments of loss and grief. Choose one character and clarify how the events and growth of their character are affected by being lost and also experiencing loss. How do these states of mind propel the character into new situations? How are the character's actions driven by these emotions/themes?

Essay Topic 2

The Quote that precedes the novel examines the theme of secrecy that evolves throughout the novel. It claims that there are "secret agents," who for varied reasons decide to keep or share secrets. Choose one character from the narrative who wrestles with secrecy and decide how their behaviors, thoughts, and ideas contribute to the theme of secrecy. How does secrecy relate to that character's development? Why is secrecy important to understanding the character?

Essay Topic 3

Pages 148-149 eventually explain why Lisa Sample is editing videos and saving old ones. Sarah Jane asks Lisa why she feels the need to do these things. How does Lisa account for this bizarre hobby? What themes can you draw from this conversation? Provide quotes and examination to support your answer.

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