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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. How old is Pat and Nora's daughter in 1982?

2. Whose company does Jessie value most?

3. What message does Jessie publish for the townspeople to read?

4. Where does the sheriff take Jack when he releases him from jail?

5. Why does the sheriff call Pat?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are the people in Holt so angry at Charlie Soames?

2. How does Charlie try to commit suicide?

3. Why is the sheriff unable to keep Jack locked up?

4. What purchases does Jack make prior to leaving town for good?

5. How does Jessie find out that Jack has returned to town?

6. Does Jack show any remorse when visited by the head of the grain elevator board?

7. What are some of the things Pat does to ingratiate himself with Jessie and her sons?

8. Who are Jessie and Jack's children?

9. After Jack has been gone for awhile, what shocking and public action does Jessie take?

10. How does Jessie interact with the people in town?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do a brief character sketch of Jack Burdette including positive and negative characteristics. What are his physical characteristics? What are his hopes and dreams? What is important to him at this point in time?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explain the role of women in the mid- to late-20th century when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms do they have that women in prior times did not have?

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