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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. Why is Chuck Brewer interested in Arthur?

2. What does Joan believe will happen if she goes to the secluded house?

3. What is the man's profession who is looking for Joan in Terremoto near the end of the book?

4. As she is crouched behind her door in her flat in Terremoto, what does Joan do when she hears someone knocking at the door?

5. What does Joan wash out in the basin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the presence of the strange man who talks with her landlord spur Joan to action?

2. Explain the circumstances and symbolism behind Joan's cut feet.

3. Describe Joan's plan to fake her death.

4. How has Joan accomplished a transformation at the end of the novel?

5. In Chapter 31, how is it clear that Joan is beginning to unravel?

6. What piece of evidence leads to Sam and Marlene's arrest?

7. How does Joan deal with her belief that she is being held captive?

8. Why is Joan having trouble writing about her character Charlotte and the ending of her novel?

9. How is the final chapter a resolution to Joan's lies and secrets?

10. How does Joan let go of her past?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Joan writes romance novels and prefers happy endings, but is dishonest and secretive in her own love life. Discuss how Joan's lies and secrets make positive, loving relationships impossible.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Joan's father. What is her relationship with her father and what is his influence on her as a child?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Joan's relationship with Arthur to the one she has with Royal Porcupine. Is one relationship better for Joan than the other? Provide specific examples from the text to support your responses.

(see the answer keys)

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