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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 Novalee go to Rattlesnake Ridge?

2. How old is Novalee Nation when the story begins?

3. Where did the policemen find Americus?

4. Willy Jack Pickens and Novalee Nation are traveling when this novel begins. What state are they currently in?

5. Who picks up Novalee and Americus from the hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Novalee's vision of photography changed?

2. Who are the police considering as suspects in the disappearance of Americus?

3. How does Forney contrast to Novalee?

4. What are Lexie's children's names and what do they tell us about Lexie?

5. What are some clues that tell Novalee's life is improving throughout Chapter 23?

6. Where do the police find Americus?

7. How is Novalee's superstition coming into play?

8. Why is Willy Jack pulled over?

9. How is Willy Jack trying to change his life after being released from prison?

10. How has Novalee changed over the course of this book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The buckeye tree and the Christmas tree are important in this story. To whom are they important? Why and how are they important? Is there a relationship between these trees and superstition?

Essay Topic 2

What are the ten most important events in the story? Explain the events in order of occurrence and explain why you believe they are the most important events.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the importance of names, as emphasized by Moses Whitecotton. Further, explain the parallel between names in this book and those of the Christmas nativity.

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