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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 does Cody agree to help Lynette?

2. Why will Cody not get out of Lynette's car in Chapter 13?

3. How old was JJ when Lynette met him?

4. What does Kansas say he will do with Gloria’s things?

5. What does Cody do with the cocaine?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the physical appearance of the “thin man” (86) who opens Kansas’ shop door?

2. What is inside Gloria’s safe?

3. How does Cody have $7,000 for the Mercedes?

4. What is Gloria’s character like?

5. What is the thin blond man’s seizure like?

6. What is the nature of Lynette’s first explosion at Jack?

7. What is Cody’s physical appearance like?

8. Why has Cody not bought a car if he has the money for it?

9. What is the nature of the conflict between JJ and Lynette?

10. How did Cody’s girlfriend and his friend set up Cody in the robbery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most complicated relationships in the novel is that between Lynette and her mother Doreen. While Lynette has devoted her life to trying to hold on to their house, her mother ultimately decides to divide the family and find new homes, thereby extinguishing her daughter’s dreams. Write an essay about the relationship between Lynette and Doreen.

Essay Topic 2

One of the more powerful presences in the novel is that of Gloria. She and Lynette are friends, yet Gloria refuses to pay Lynette the money she owes her even though Gloria has it, so Lynette steals Gloria’s safe. Write an essay about the relationship between Lynette and Gloria. What does this relationship tell readers about each woman's character?

Essay Topic 3

Drugs – both illegal and legal – are a common presence in the novel The Night Always Comes. Lynette’s discovery of cocaine is a pivotal turning point at which she descends into a dark, seedy world of criminality that is at times violent and life-threatening. Write an essay about the meaning of drugs as a symbol in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample