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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 what town do Jo and her husband live?

2. What does the police officer initially speculate about Dana's murder?

3. What does Jo determine about Eli's attachment to his dog?

4. Dana says that she likes Licia because Licia has ______________.

5. Whom are the police most suspicious of regarding Dana's murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the nature of the relationship between Licia and Dana?

2. What does Dana think Licia might be when she catches Licia in lies?

3. Why is marrying Daniel quite opposite from the life she had been living in the group house?

4. What are the circumstances in which Jo sees Eli again after so many years?

5. What are Jo's feelings about seeing Eli again?

6. What does Jo say might account for her feeling off during dinner with Daniel?

7. Describe the night when Licia finds Dana's dead body in the house.

8. What is the premise of WHILE I WAS GONE?

9. What does Dana's murder signify for the housemates?

10. Why does Licia seem to fit in so well with the group members who seem to have no real plans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of the family in WHILE I WAS GONE. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other?

Essay Topic 3

Create a character study of Eli. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Eli?

(see the answer keys)

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