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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 happens to the fresh food Julie buys for the family?

2. After Mother's body is hidden, who begins writing to Mother?

3. What does Jack slam with a rock when he takes an angry walk through the garden?

4. How does Julie say she mentally feels when she goes into the cellar?

5. Who does Jack want to read his book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the conversation between Derek and Jack as they leave the pool hall?

2. Describe the circumstances (and location) in which Derek first meets Julie's siblings.

3. What happened to the children when they were left alone one time previously?

4. Explain how Julie's punch of Jack turns into sex with him.

5. What does Derek say and how does he act when he catches Julie and Jack naked together?

6. What is the conversation Derek has with the siblings over tea, after sealing the cracked cement?

7. Three weeks after Mother's death, how does Sue spend her time?

8. What do the girls say about Jack and Tom's appearances when they are dressing Tom like a girl?

9. Why doesn't Jack tell Julie about his conversations with Derek as soon as he returns home from the pool hall?

10. Why do Jack and Sue get excited when they investigate the strange smell in the cellar?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define motif. Identify and discuss two motifs from The Cement Garden.

Essay Topic 2

What are static and dynamic characters? Name the static and dynamic characters in this novel and discuss what about each makes them either static or dynamic.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the two oldest siblings and the two youngest ones.

(see the answer keys)

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