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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. In Chapter 10, who surprises Sam by coming to her work?

2. In Chapter 4, what is Joe's latest project?

3. Who accompanies Sam to the rally about Aadil?

4. What does Ally do regarding Sam's communications in Part IV that really hurts Sam?

5. Who is Lily's dog?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ally come to realize about the conflicting nature of her feelings for Joe?

2. What does Ally think about the likelihood of her father figuring out her affair?

3. What does Sam realize about the effect of her own love for Ally on Sam's perception of Ally?

4. When does Sam feel an intense wave of loneliness in Part III?

5. What happens during Sam's last meeting with MH at the fair?

6. Why does Sam decide not to confront Ally at the fair?

7. What does Sam see at the fair that shocks her?

8. How does Sam fall back into the pattern of having sex with Matt again?

9. What is the first of Sam's so-called "rage events"?

10. What are some of Ally's emerging doubts about Joe's work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Spiotta's style and tone throughout this novel, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does Sam attempt to explain some of the more controversial aspects of Clara Loomis's life to visitors to the Clara Loomis House? How does Sam seem to feel about these controversies herself? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

What does Spiotta reveal about Sam's character with Sam's reaction to the Aadil Mapunda shooting? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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