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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 rumor about Jack spreads quickly in town when Jack returns from his trip?

2. Where was Jack's father headed when he died?

3. Who saw Jack at the site where his father was killed?

4. How could the girl in #68 best be characterized?

5. What sport did Jack discover in high school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Jack's high school years.

2. What does Ralph Bird do when he spots Jack back in Holt?

3. What is revealed about Jack's parentage when the author uses a flashback in Chapter 2?

4. How does the sheriff's treatment of Jack indicate what most of the townspeople feel about him?

5. What happens that gives Wanda Jo a glimmer of hope regarding a life with Jack?

6. How does Jack's childhood behavior mirror the environment in his home?

7. What is the setting for the novel?

8. What did Jack's room at the boarding house become for his friends?

9. Who was Wanda Jo Evans and what role did she play in Jack's life?

10. Why did Jack move out of his mother's house after his father died?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does Haruf end the story on a note of hope for the characters, or will they continue to struggle with their relationships and hopes for their lives? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses the flashback technique to tell the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of flashback.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Jack, Jessie, their sons , Wanda Jo and Pat Arbuckle. Be sure to include work, socialization, marital status, hobbies, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample