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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 4, what is the unnamed narrator looking at on his desk as he writes this section of his story?
(a) Old newspaper clippings.
(b) Pictures.
(c) Crime scene photos.
(d) A diary.

2. What object became a symbol of the love between Harris and Kathryn Presser?
(a) A bouquet of gladiolas.
(b) Six yellow roses.
(c) Two burning candles in a window.
(d) A strong oak tree.

3. In Chapter 14, what reason does Sarah give for delaying introducing Miles to her family?
(a) She is afraid he will not like them.
(b) She does not want to scare him off.
(c) She wants to keep him to herself.
(d) She is afraid they will not like him.

4. In Chapter 4, what excuse does the unnamed narrator suggest Miles might have made for Missy returning late the night of her death?
(a) She stopped to speak someone from work.
(b) She stopped to pick up a fresh bottle of wine.
(c) She stopped to have a drink at the Tavern.
(d) She stopped to complain about him to her mother.

5. In Chapter 5, why does Miles think Missy's killer ran from the scene of the accident?
(a) He was young and frightened.
(b) He was unaware of what he had done.
(c) He was drunk or hit her intentionally to hurt Miles.
(d) He was afraid of Miles' wrath.

Short Answer Questions

1. What one concern does Charlie have about Miles' relationship with Sarah?

2. What reason does Miss Harkins give for Harris Presser's arrest and execution?

3. What name does Sarah give to Otis Timson as her own?

4. In Chapter 11, where do Sarah and Miles go for their date?

5. What is causing the unnamed narrator to have trouble sleeping in the prologue?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Miles deal with Jonah's many nightmares?

2. Why has Sarah Andrews moved to New Bern? Why did she choose an apartment in downtown New Bern despite the difficult parking situation?

3. What did Miles do the day Missy died rather than stay home and care for the lawn as she asked? What were the last words he said to her that day?

4. In Chapter 13, how does Miles react when Sarah tells him she cannot have children?

5. Who does the unnamed narrator say this story is about? Why does he preface this by telling the reader all about Missy Ryan?

6. Why does the unnamed narrator tell the reader he went to Missy's funeral?

7. In Chapter 13, Miles asks Sarah about living in the big city. What does Sarah tell him? How does he react?

8. What caused the demise of Sarah's marriage? How does she feel about this?

9. What does the unnamed narrator in Chapter 4 tell the reader kept Miles from looking for Missy on the day of her death when she was late coming home? Who told Miles about Missy's accident?

10. Why does Sarah tell Miles in Chapter 3 that she does not usually tutor students herself but will make an exception in this case?

(see the answer keys)

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