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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 the man doing when Kate enters?

2. Who is excluded from the investigation on order of the Director?

3. Where is Rule when she makes the call to Rawls' man?

4. What item alerts Kate to possible military and/or terrorist activity?

5. Where does Rule plan to meet her boyfriend?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Trina while Helder was gone?

2. What creates further suspicion in Helder?

3. In Chapter one, the story begins with a Swedish fisherman and his grandson. Explain the tragic event involving the two Swedes.

4. Discuss the conversation between Helder and Trina shortly before the mission.

5. What does Lee learn when he calls to confirm his meeting with Rule?

6. What does Majorov tell Helder about his plan to attack Sweden?

7. Discuss what Rule learns from Malakhov regarding Majorov.

8. What does the Chief Administrative Officer instruct Helder to do?

9. Explain Helder's first experience in the submarine with Valerie Sokolov.

10. Who is Jan Helder? What is his occupation? What is Helder's latest order?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ed Rawls seems to start out in the book as a friend of Kate's that has just returned from a tour in Eastern Europe. Examine Ed Rawls' part in the story. How does Rawls become involved in Snowflower? Explain the change in Rawls' role once he returned to the US, what precipitated his work with Majorov, and how Rule reacted when she learned of the betrayal. Why do you think Rawls would work against the agency and his own people? What is the benefit for Rawls? Has Rawls' opinion of Kate changed? What happens to Rawls in the end?

Essay Topic 2

How does Lee happen to meet Swenson/Helder? Was it by accident or was it planned? Where did the meeting take place? What was Woods' purpose in creating the meeting between the two men? What error does Helder make during that meeting? What is Lee's reaction to Helder's real identity? What do you think happened to Helder? Would Rule, Lee, or any part of the US government have any jurisdiction or input regarding Helder's arrest? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Backstories are important as they fill in the gaps of characters' lives that may not have been addressed elsewhere. This is seen clearly in the backstories of Helder, Lee, and the Rules, Kate and Simon, both as a couple and as individuals. Explain how Woods uses the technique. When is the appropriate time for a backstory? Does the backstory always resolve unanswered questions? Where might Woods use it in reference to other characters or situations? Give at least three examples and explain in detail.

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