View a FREE sample

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 name of the Golds' child?

2. What does everyone assume about Chris and Emily in high school?

3. What does James want to do for Chris after Emily's death?

4. What did the Golds learn in the hospital in November 1997?

5. Why doesn't Chris attend Emily's funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is interesting about Gus at first being upset at James for killing the dog?

2. How does Emily break her leg?

3. How does Gus react to news of Emily's death?

4. What does the path of the bullet in Emily's head suggest?

5. What do you think happened in the men's room at McDonalds?

6. What makes Chris appear to be innocent?

7. How does James feel about the situation with Chris once Chris is arrested?

8. How does the euthanasia of the dog affect Chris?

9. How do Melanie and Michael react to the idea of Chris killing Emily?

10. What happens to Chris and Emily in November 1997?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death may be one of the most prominent themes in the novel, as someone dies at the beginning of it. During a hunting trip, why is Chris revolted by the killing of a rabbit? What does the death of the rabbit represent? How does witnessing the death of this rabbit compare with the influence of his father euthanizing the family dog? Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Suicide serves as the most prominent plot point of the novel. What risk factors for suicide did Emily have? Why did she feel that suicide was her only option? How does her suicide influence different characters? Make sure you answer each question and provide evidence from the novel to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Depression is one of many themes that run through "The Pact." What are the symptoms of depression, and which ones did Emily display? Why is Emily depressed, and why didn't she seek treatment? Provide support for your answers using examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 671 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample