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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 doesn't Cliff Baxter show up for their meeting?

2. What is Keith Landry feeling when he returns?

3. What has Billy Marlon become since the last time Keith Landry saw him?

4. Whose graves does Keith Landry visit at the cemetery?

5. What precedent is there for the thing Cliff Baxter forces Sherry Kolarik to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens after Keith Landry gives Billy Marlon a ride home?

2. Describe the conflict that is being brewed as Keith Landry spends more time in Spencerville--and how it seems likely to be settled.

3. How does Cliff Baxter's presence influence Keith Landry's relationship with his car?

4. What does Keith Landry ultimately do with his car?

5. How does the narrator describe the Porters' way of life?

6. What is Keith Landry invited to do at the dinner he has at the Porter household?

7. Describe Annie's departure from Keith Landry's house.

8. Why does Keith Landry decide to leave town?

9. What happens when Annie confronts Cliff Baxter?

10. Describe the farm Keith Landry returns to in Spencerville.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is missing from this book? What should have been covered or presented that was not? What is the effect of this absence? Describe an element that ought to have been covered, and explain why it would have made the book stronger.

Essay Topic 2

Write a character sketch of the author based on his style and content. What values does he hold dear? What are his hopes and fears? What kind of person do you think he is? Anchor your sketch in passages in the book.

Essay Topic 3

While Annie and Keith Landry dispose of Cliff Baxter in the end, they seem to have the entire community's support. Is their accomplishment ultimately an individual accomplishment, or did the entire community effectively bring about Cliff Baxter's downfall?

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This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample