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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. Whose viewing does Stephanie attend with her grandmother?

2. Why does Roberta leave the scene after she is questioned?

3. What does Stephanie receive at the opening of Chapter Three?

4. How does Eula, the homeless woman, escape from Stephanie?

5. Who gives Stephanie a tip regarding a large pickup right around the time of the casket theft?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Stephanie and her Grandmother argue about prior to Moogey's funeral?

2. What is the major difference between the attitude of Stephanie's grandmother and Mrs. Plum?

3. Why does Stephanie become suspicious of Spiro and the cheap caskets?

4. The size of the Buick is used as a commentary piece regarding what?

5. Why does Stephanie hire a former prostitute to work for Vinnie?

6. When Spiro produces an unsigned letter much like the one Stephanie received, what does this device achieve?

7. How does the 'Burg help with the job Stephanie is trying to do?

8. How does the information about the money spent on funerals continue to cast suspicion on Spiro's story?

9. Does the fact that the stolen guns are from Fort Braddock mean that Kenny is guilty?

10. Why does Stephanie's mother want her to have another job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moral character is manipulated throughout this novel. For example, Stephanie thinks nothing of lying to the woman who broke up her marriage, as the woman thought nothing of breaking up Stephanie's marriage.

Cite five examples in the story where the rules of society are bent and seen as socially acceptable. Debate the rationale of what is "right" and "wrong" in each instance.

Essay Topic 2

The author utilizes symbols throughout the story. From each of the following examples, explain what each object symbolizes in Stephanie's life. Explain how each symbol reflects an aspect of Stephanie's life and how it serves the story.

1. The Buick

2. The Sexy Purple Shoes

3. The Gun in the Jar

Essay Topic 3

Stephanie's apartment is a safe haven that reflects her independent lifestyle. Analyze why the break-in at Stephanie's apartment affected her in the way that it did. Consider the following...

1. What does the apartment symbolize?

2. Why is it important to Stephanie?

3. What was the significance of Stephanie having to leave her apartment to protect her family?

4. Why was it important for her to return to the apartment at the end of the story?

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