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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 does LeeRoy realize about Hằng and his dreams to be a cowboy?

2. How does Hằng react to the cowboys who hurt LeeRoy?

3. What does the truck remind Hằng of?

4. How does Cora tell them they need to get rid of the mesquite stump?

5. Why does Angie tell her dad about her dance teacher?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the fair?

2. How does Hằng’s definition of home change?

3. In what ways has LeeRoy changed?

4. What could it mean that Hằng accepts a piggy-back ride from LeeRoy and giggles?

5. Why does Hằng blame herself for her mother’s death?

6. What does the novel tell us about sacrifice?

7. What does the symbol of the butterfly mean?

8. Why does Hằng tell her uncle the story of her father’s bones?

9. What is the significance of the inscription LeeRoy writes in the book?

10. Why are Mr. Morgan’s cantaloupes three dollars each?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the characters in the novel, including Linh, Hằng, Mr. Morgan, and LeeRoy, are renamed or are given nicknames. Explore the significance of names and naming in the novel, including the use of nicknames and the act of renaming.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the theme of healing. How does Hằng find closure and peace with what has happened to her? What do you think is the next step on her healing journey?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze how gender roles are challenged and redefined by the female characters in the story. How do Hằng and her mother challenge gender roles on the boat? How does Hằng struggle with her femininity in the novel and how does she overcome this struggle?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 981 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample