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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 Maggie accused of?

2. Who is Maggie Bradford?

3. What New York disc jockey introduces the show?

4. Who does Will try to hire as his personal assistant?

5. What is the name of Patrick's first son?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Will is six that changes him forever?

2. What happens when Maggie performs for the first time herself?

3. What is it about Victoria Lansdowne that contributes to the fact that Will rapes her?

4. How does the press describe Will Shepherd?

5. What are the things that help Maggie to finally relax around Patrick?

6. What does Vannie do that is inappropriate and fosters Will's sexual indifference to women?

7. What two things does Will claim are his salvation?

8. How does Winnie Lawrence convince Will to play for the American team even though Will is convinced they don't have a chance?

9. Why has Maggie decided to write her story?

10. What causes Maggie to behave in a manner that is totally out of character for her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Evil is evident in this novel on several layers. What evil is openly displayed and by which character or characters? What are some examples of more subtle evil? Which characters displayed these qualities? How does evil come into being? Are we born with it, or are the circumstances of our lives what make us become evil? What kinds of circumstances might make a person evil who did not start out that way?

Essay Topic 2

What is justifiable homicide? In which cases should prosecution be avoided entirely? Maggie is put on trial when it is believed that her third husband dies at her hand. How likely is it that victims of abuse end up in abuse relationships again? What are the relationship dynamics that would draw a person back into this kind of situation again? How common is it for victims of abuse to seek out abusive partners unconsciously again? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The legal system has many flaws but what might be seen as one of its greatest is the treatment that witnesses are forced to endure by opposing council. In this novel, which witness is browbeaten on the stand for the sake of 'justice'? How does this scenario compare to real life trials and their witnesses? Is it likely that cases of rape or sexual misconduct go unreported because witnesses fear this kind of character assassination on the stand? What recent cases in life can be compared to this issue? Should the legal rules be changed to protect those who come forward with claims of sexual abuse?

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