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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 much does the NAACP initially contribute toward the defense of Carl Lee?

2. Following his motion to withdraw on Friday, Jake does what?

3. How many murder trials has Jake Brigance served as the defense counsel prior to the preliminary hearing for Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard?

4. What is Jake's view of insurance companies and their lawyers?

5. What does Carl Lee Hailey feel his chances are, now that he has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the trajectory of Judge Omar Noose's career that has led him to his current status?

2. What is Ellen Roark's response to Jake when he quizzes her on her credentials?

3. How does Rufus Buckley make use of the illegally-obtained jury list?

4. How are the key characters depicted as selfish and self-centered in Chapter 24?

5. In Chapter 10, what does Lucien advise Jake his best courses of action are in Carl Lee's defense?

6. What does the reader learn in the dialogue between Carl Lee Hailey and Jake Brigance in Chapter 4?

7. What are some of the efforts made in Clanton in preparation for the trial?

8. What transpires between Carl Lee and Deputy Looney while the latter is still hospitalized, and how does Jake respond?

9. Why does Judge Noose impose a gag order?

10. What illegal methods does Ozzie employ to gain information from the suspected bomber?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One theme that runs through "A Time to Kill" is deciding between the paths of right and wrong where risks are involved due to influence or threat of the KKK. Examine and compare how it is approached by Judge Noose, jury member Barry Acker, and Jake Brigance.

Essay Topic 2

John Grisham is very elaborate in providing the reader a detailed description of Jake Brigance's historic legal suite, with multiple rooms and a balcony overlooking the courthouse square. He then utilizes this setting throughout the story in relaying Jake's reliance upon it. Analyze Grisham's use of this setting in the novel, and how it pertains to the political, social climate of the story.

Essay Topic 3

John Grisham is noted for his mastering the writing style with roller coaster peaks and valleys between and within chapters. He also includes sudden twists and turns with brief, intermittent recoveries. Examine how his style in "A Time to Kill," and include examples from the text.

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