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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 do Spenser and Candy do the night they meet with Roger Hammond and have drinks together?

2. Why does the person in Chapter 7 tell Candy that he believes Roger Hammond is lying?

3. What does Spenser hear that causes him to drive around the corner at the end of Chapter 7?

4. Where is Candy left stranded in Chapter 3?

5. How long do Candy and Spenser have to wait before they are allowed to see the person they are visiting at the Oceania offices?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Candy send someone else to pick up Spenser his first morning in Los Angeles?

2. How does Candy feel about Spenser aiding her with the investigation?

3. Describe Spenser's feelings about Los Angeles.

4. Describe the relationship between Richard Hammond and the mob.

5. Is Spenser a sympathetic person?

6. How are Candy's fears of sexism confirmed during her visit to Richard Hammond?

7. Is Richard Hammond a powerful man?

8. Describe Richard Hammond's reaction to Candy's allegations of corruption.

9. Does Richard Hammond feel threatened by Candy's questions?

10. Describe Mickey Rafferty.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many elements of A Savage Place seem ready made for the big screen: car chases, sex, corruption and murder, all on a large scale. Imagine that the author wrote this novel, not as a detective story, but as a narrative of the event. What elements would need to be changed? Consider things like names, settings, and events in your response.

Essay Topic 2

Morality in A Savage Place is often shown in shades of gray rather than in black and white. Compare Spenser and Candy in regards to having a strong sense of morals. Discuss how their morality differs, if they stand up for what they believe in, and how these things impact their lives in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Susan is an absent character who is only referred to in the story.

1) How would the novel be different if this character did not exist?

2) How would the novel be different if this character was present at events in the novel?

3) How would the novel be different if the lead character was a woman, and Spenser was the absent boyfriend?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 846 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample