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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. Where does Sylvia tell JJ she really wanted to visit?

2. Why does Sylvia continue to speak with Marcus even though she really does not know him very well?

3. Why is Carrie's family upset with her?

4. Who did JJ live with for most of his youth?

5. Who does Ava see at Walmart in Chapter 15 that sends her reeling?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has happened to the town of Pinewood in recent years?

2. What kinds of things does Sylvia encourage Marcus to do?

3. What kind of memories does Sylvia have about her own childhood?

4. What is the relationship between Mae and Jonnie Norwood, who co-run the restaurant called Sisters?

5. Where does Ava reveal the most personal details of her anguish over her infertility?

6. How does Sylvia feel about JJ Ferguson?

7. What is the significance of Brushy Mountain Road to residents of Pinewood, North Carolina?

8. How does Sylvia feel about her son in-law, Henry?

9. What problem has Ava been struggling with for years that becomes apparent in Chapter 3?

10. What area of her property does Sylvia devote special care and attention to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When did you first realize what had really happened to Devon? Write an essay exploring why Watts might have chosen to reveal Devon's fate so late in the novel. Cite specific references to the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Ava choose to share her deepest pain and anxiety about her infertility with strangers in online forums? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references to the text.

Essay Topic 3

One of the themes of this novel is the lack of opportunities and options for people, especially black people, in a depressed manufacturing town that has been losing jobs and residents for years. Do you think any of the characters on this novel would say achieving the American Dream is still possible? Write an essay explaining why or why not, citing references to the text in your answer.

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This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample