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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 Cora say she believed at the time she said it?

2. Where is Cora when she invites Ruby to join her?

3. What does Cora say she could have done when she left home?

4. To what does Ruby give her approval?

5. Why does Ruby decide to walk to Marshall's place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nate ask Ruby when she returns his sweatshirt and how does she respond?

2. Describe Nate and Ruby's visit to the vacant apartment.

3. What happens when Ruby gets back to Cora and Jaime's house and is obviously impaired?

4. Where does Ruby visit Olivia and why is Olivia there?

5. What is worrying Ruby as Valentine's day is approaching?

6. What does Ruby learn Harriet has done when Ruby arrives at the kiosk the Friday after Thanksgiving?

7. What does Ruby do in the clearing after Olivia drops her there?

8. What does Ruby learn about her father?

9. What does Cora say in response learning she is still not pregnant, and how does this bring the sisters closer together?

10. Who finds Ruby in the clearing and what does he do and say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Ruby and Cora. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Nate and Marshall. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Lock and Key help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Lock and Key help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Lock and Key? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Lock and Key to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Lock and Key interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ruby. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Nate. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Cora. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Olivia. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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