View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who photographed the accident site where Jack's father was killed?

2. How did Jack behave in school?

3. Where does Pat get a job after college?

4. Why did Jack become a hero in Holt?

5. In what state does the novel take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was Wanda Jo Evans and what role did she play in Jack's life?

2. How could Jack be characterized as a kid and what were the circumstances of his school years?

3. What negative behavior characteristics does Jack show through his actions?

4. How does Jack meet Jessie and what is her role in his life?

5. How does the sheriff treat Jack when he finds him?

6. How was Jack's father killed?

7. What does Jack's marriage to Jessie indicate to Wanda Jo?

8. Why was Jack expelled from college and where did he go after leaving school?

9. What is Jack Burdette doing at the beginning of the story?

10. Who first notices Jack when he returns to Holt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Haruf is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Jack, Jessie, their sons , Wanda Jo and Pat Arbuckle. Be sure to include work, socialization, marital status, hobbies, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Does Haruf end the story on a note of hope for the characters, or will they continue to struggle with their relationships and hopes for their lives? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 776 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample