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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. What is the photograph taken by Novalee called?

2. What is happening at the end of the Chapter 18 to make Novalee panic?

3. What is the name of the neighbor who helps during the natural disaster?

4. Who does Willy Jack remind Claire of?

5. What make the cellar shake?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Novalee and Lexie are similar and how Troy and Willy Jack are similar.

2. How has Novalee's vision of photography changed?

3. As a result of Novalee's childhood, what does she do for Americus?

4. How does the media react to Novalee's baby?

5. Why is Claire obsessed with Band-Aids?

6. What are the gifts Novalee receives in Chapter 2 and who are they from?

7. What does Novalee learn about Benny's heritage through photography?

8. Why is Willy Jack pulled over?

9. How is the nativity scene symbolic of the life of Novalee?

10. What is the significance of Novalee's daughter's name, Americus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes of the story is that of heart. How does this theme of heart play out in the lives of Novalee, Willy Jack, Sister Husband, Lexie, Forney, and Benny? Is this theme of heart in relationship to any other theme of the story? What theme? How?

Essay Topic 2

Novalee's superstitions play a role in her decision making throughout the story. Explain Novalee's superstitions and how these affect her decision making throughout the story. Be specific and use specific examples from the story.

Essay Topic 3

A lot happened to Forney within the story. Show specific ways that Forney has grown in his character throughout the story.

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