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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 sort of relationship does Betty have with her brother and sister?

2. What does Nadine know about why Bernard was killed?

3. Where does Maureen hide the money she makes?

4. Who is Brock, in relation to Loretta?

5. Why is Jules so anxious at the bank when cashing Bernard's checks?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jules reunite with Nadine?

2. What is Jules and Nadine's relationship like after their reunion?

3. How does Jules' relationship with Nadine end?

4. What does Loretta think about her relationship with her children while she is in the shelter?

5. As a young adult, what is Maureen's escape from her everyday life?

6. What does Jules do at the end of Chapter 7 of the third book?

7. What are some of Maureen's responsibilities around the house after Loretta marries Pat?

8. How does Mrs. Wendall react to the barn fire?

9. What do Jules and Nadine end up doing in Chapter 5 of the second book?

10. How does Loretta react when Maureen tells her about Jim?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

None of Loretta's husbands were very good people. Why do you think this is so? Why did she choose to marry men who were poor providers, and poor caretakers for her children? Were there any better men for her to choose from? Do you think she even realized that her husbands were poor choices? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Loretta doesn't understand why she has no connection with her children as adults. What do you think is the reason for the disconnect between them? Is there anything that Loretta could have done differently? Why does Loretta hypothesize that maybe she had the wrong children? Do you think she really believes this? Or is she simply trying to find a reason so she doesn't have to feel guilty? Do you think the disconnect is a result of Loretta's parenting, the family's situation, or a combination of the two? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

The poverty-stricken and violent lifestyle endured by Loretta, as a child, continues on to her own children. Why is the cycle perpetuated with her own children? Is there anything she could have done differently do break this cycle? What was Loretta's childhood like? How did the cycle begin? Do you think Maureen will be able to break this cycle with her own child(ren)? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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