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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 is Pat doing with Jessie and the boys one night when he receives a call from the sheriff?

2. What happens to the bookkeeper of the grain elevator when the theft is revealed?

3. Why does the sheriff call Pat?

4. What is the nickname of Jessie and Jack's son?

5. When does Nora return home after visiting her father?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jack's crime make the people of Holt dislike Jessie even more?

2. What is revealed about Jack that infuriates the people in Holt?

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

4. What does Doyle Francis discover when he returns to manage the grain elevator in Jack's absence?

5. What happens when Charlie's suicide attempt fails?

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

7. What does Jack do that shows why he came back to Holt, and what do his actions do to Pat?

8. How do Pat and Jessie become romantically involved?

9. What personal tragedy does Pat suffer in the Summer of 1982?

10. Who becomes the target of the townspeople's wrath when they cannot get any justice through Charlie Soames?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Describe grain elevator. What is its role in the community? Is it typical of businesses in small towns in rural America?

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 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample