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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 mine does Brand know Rye's father worked at in Montana?

2. Who starts the wheels in motion that eventually end up in Rye getting released from prison?

3. What does Gig call Spokane?

4. Who was First Ursula's manager who fires her for getting too old?

5. Who does Gig fall into a romance with?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Rye come West looking for Gig?

2. Where does the IWW's nickname come from?

3. How does Rye eventually get out of jail earlier than expected?

4. What does Jules hope for Rye after seeing him once while they are both in jail and Rye tells Jules he is sorry?

5. What is the true nature of Gemma's relationship with Jules, and why has she hidden this?

6. Who does Rye ask Fred Moore, his lawyer, to find after Rye gets out of jail, and what has happened to Gig?

7. Why does Rye follow Gig to the labor protests in Part I even though Gig tells him not to?

8. Why does Elizabeth Gurley Flynn ask Rye to join her as she fundraises for the labor movement?

9. In Chapter 13, what does Rye say that elicits Fred Moore's sympathy at Mrs. Ricci's house?

10. Why does Rye get arrested at the labor rally in Part I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Rye's first-person-narrated section at the very end of the novel change the way the reader feels about him? Why do you think Rye chose not to get more involved in activism following the advent of Gig's death, and instead chose a quiet life of steady hard work? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What are some of the nuances and complexities of the character Del Dalveaux as Walter describes him? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In a novel of many plot twists and turns, as well as nuanced characters, which action and/or character surprised you the most, and why? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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