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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 Dave go?

2. Was anyone else injured in the fire?

3. What does Dave believe about the person he asks for company?

4. What does Dave suspect started the fire that injures Dixie Lee?

5. Why does Dave apply for a loan?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dixie Lee try to pressure Dave into helping him about the conversation Dixie Lee overhears?

2. Who are Dave's cell mates and why is he placed in this cell?

3. What evidence is there that Purcel is still on the wrong side of the law?

4. What does Dave do to Vidrine and Mapes and do you think this is appropriate on his part?

5. Describe Cletus Purcel.

6. What is Darlene American Horse like and how does she seem to figure in to the storyline?

7. Why does it seem Dixie Lee is destined for jail and what does he decide to do about it?

8. What does Nygurski say Sally Dio is doing?

9. What does Dave read about Dixie Lee a week later?

10. What horrific event has happened not to long ago to Dave and how is he handling it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel.

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel.

3. Discuss James Lee Burke's use (or lack ) of literary techniques and how they add or detract from the story and whether he uses too many or too little literary techniques.

Essay Topic 2

Dave is beginning to feel desperate by Chapter 10, thinking he will have to go on the run if he does not prove his innocence. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Dave would be smart to go on the run rather than stand trial if he cannot prove his innocence?

2. Do you think that Dave would have more success as an outlaw than most because of his cop background? Why or why not?

3. Would it be fair to subject Alafair of a life as a fugitive?

Essay Topic 3

Dave's wife is murdered in a previous novel in this series. Discuss the following:

1. How much do you think Dave's wife's murder influences how he behaves in this novel?

2. Do you think Dave is doing a good job of parenting Alafair alone? Why, or why not?

3. How do you think Darlene's murder coming not that long after his wife's murder impacts Dave?

(see the answer keys)

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