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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. Which of the following words best describes what the main activities were which filled Christmas Day for Gertie?

2. To whom does the youngest Meanwell girl talk?

3. Which child's conference at school went worst?

4. What device does Gertie use for the first time in chapter 35?

5. Which of her children does Gertie cling to after the loss of Cassie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene Gertie witnessed between the Daly and Meanwell children.

2. What is Clovis complaining about after he comes home from a very bad day at work?

3. What happens when Gertie is overwhelmed by the children's constant arguing?

4. Describe what happens when Sophronie answers the door when she is drunk.

5. What happens to Clovis at work one night?

6. Describe Gertie's days during chapters 20 - 23.

7. What does Gertie believe will be necessary in order for her to take Cassie's body home to the housing development?

8. When Gertie tells Clovis that her mother said that she should not buy Tipton Place, what does Clovis say which surprises Gertie?

9. What does Reuben's note say at the end of chapter 23?

10. Describe in detail Cassie's final moments in Gertie's arms.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing how the author has used foreshadowing throughout this novel. Use specific examples from the novel to support your description.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on how the book might have been different had Henley not left Gertie the money. Use events from the story but indicate how they would be different.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay describing what the knives in this novel represent. Use specific examples from the text to support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 728 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample