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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. Lizabeth tells Matt that something is wrong with the bed. What is it?

2. Lizabeth imagines Matt protecting her from what?

3. What does Matt say that hurts Lizabeth's feelings while he is eating potato salad?

4. What does Matt do with his motorcycle?

5. What does Matt come home with after leaving for a ride on the motorcycle with Billy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Elsie and the boys are shocked by the condition of the kitchen when they arrive home. What do they see, and what is Matt's explanation for its state?

2. What are the preconceptions Lizabeth has about Matt as a role model for her children that give her pause? Why do you think she is so concerned with those preconceptions?

3. How does Richard Hastings find out about Lizabeth, and why does he choose to flash her?

4. How does the flasher make up for his actions after losing his temper at being ignored by Matt and Lizabeth? Describe his appearance when he makes arrangements.

5. Lizabeth makes the decision to cut Matt out of her life, no matter how painful the excision will be. What is her reasoning for feeling that she must do this?

6. Lizabeth comes to terms with the fact that she was wrong about Matt and his profession. What is this revelation, and how does it change her opinion about him?

7. What was Paul's ulterior motive for wanting to take the kids on a vacation?

8. Matt buys a new bed for Lizabeth, inciting another angry outburst from her. What does the new bed represent to Lizabeth?

9. Lizabeth decides to question Matt point blank about what he would do in certain parental situations. What does she ask him, and how does he respond?

10. Elsie finds out the first name of the flasher and where he lives. What does Lizabeth choose to do with this information?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Matt and Lizabeth develops rather quickly, almost suddenly. The spark and heat between the characters is described almost immediately. Why do you think the author chose to move so quickly into the development of a physical relationship before the growth of an emotional relationship? Do you think she is advocating a love-at-first-sight approach? Why or why not? What purpose does this serve for the story line?

Essay Topic 2

One way to become familiar with the characters in a novel and their importance to the story line is to compare/contrast characters who have a fairly parallel position in the novel. Along these lines, compare/contrast Paul and Matt and each person's relationship with Lizabeth. Then, compare/contrast each person's relationship with Lizabeth's sons. Who makes more of an effort at being a father to Jason and Billy?

Essay Topic 3

Point of view can give important insight into a character. From what point of view is this novel written? Do you think that the story line would have been better served if written from a different point of view? If so, what point of view would you choose and why? If you find this point of view sufficient, how do you think it helps to develop the characters and the plot?

(see the answer keys)

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