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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. Where does Clarice confront Jack Crawford about staying on the case?

2. In Chapter 48, why does Clarice tell Jack Crawford that she should continue with the investigation?

3. What does Jame Gumb use to tan his hides?

4. In which state did Frederica Bimmel live?

5. What does the Bimmel house smell like?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jame Gumb suddenly decide to kill Catherine, and how does he plan to do it?

2. Once Clarice finds out about Jame Gumb and the FBI team on its way to Illinois to apprehend the killer, how and why does she continue her investigation?

3. What would the reasons be for Chilton and Krendler to try and blame Dr. Lecter's escape on Clarice?

4. Do you think Bella's death will help or hinder Jack Crawford in the Buffalo Bill investigation and why?

5. Do you think that Paul Krendler helps or hinders the investigation by giving in to Senator Martin's wishes?

6. Does Clarice gain insight into the person Frederica Bimmel was by exploring her room? What conclusions about Frederica does Clarice draw from the brief time she spends at the Bimmel house?

7. How does the FBI get information on Jame Gumb, and where does it lead them?

8. How does Dr. Lecter escape?

9. What is Catherine's plan, and describe her attempts to get Jame Gumb to release her?

10. Do you think Clarice's obsession with Buffalo Bill's victims is beneficial or harmful. Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dr. Lecter defends Clarice when Miggs insults her by throwing semen at her. Miggs is found dead in his cell shortly thereafter, having swallowed his tongue. It is suspected that Dr. Lecter had a hand in Miggs' death. Dr. Lecter is a master manipulator, but do you think he could actually convince someone to swallow his own tongue? Why or why not? If so, how do you think he would go about that? Do you believe Clarice would look at this defense of her as a woman and a professional as a backhanded compliment? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Thomas Harris' development of Dr. Lecter's character is incisive and disturbing. Do you think this story is more about Dr. Lecter than Buffalo Bill, or do you think there is a tandem development of the two? Which killer seems more frightening: Dr. Lecter with his impressive intelligence and almost unparalleled ability to manipulate, or Buffalo Bill's seemingly primal drive to have the perfect woman suit?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapters 12 and 13, Crawford's treatment of Clarisse at Potter's Funeral Home while inspecting the body of Buffalo Bill's latest victim is carefully scripted, though this is not apparent to Clarisse at the time. How does Clarisse feel when Crawford asks to see the sheriff to speak "man-to-man"? How does Clarisse find out that Crawford had ulterior motives in getting the deputy to speak to him alone? What is her reaction to this? Does Clarisse have a point, and do you think that point is taken?

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