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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. Why does Scarpetta decide to stop at Susan's house on her way to a party?

2. Who initially helps Scarpetta with Jennifer's autopsy?

3. "Cruel and Unusual" is which number in the Scarpetta series?

4. Who does Scarpetta realize has been the only person, other than herself, alone in her office?

5. Why are most employees unable to come to the morgue the day after Jennifer's body was found?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was Robyn Naismith?

2. What conclusion do Marino and Scarpetta come to regarding Jennifer's death?

3. What is so strange about the prison warden's behavior at the holiday party Scarpetta attends?

4. What do Lucy and Scarpetta do on Christmas morning?

5. What has happened to Eddie Heath?

6. Why does Susan get upset while doing Jennifer's autopsy?

7. What did Jennifer take an interest in shortly before her death?

8. Who is Nicholas Grueman?

9. What does Marino confess to Scarpetta about his dating life while over at her house on Christmas?

10. Why does Jennifer's neighbor not like her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify what you think is the tone for the novel and discuss 3 literary devices that Cornwell uses to create this tone.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast 2 female characters from "Cruel and Unusual" (like Lucy and Scarpetta or Susan and Scarpetta).

Essay Topic 3

How does the information about Scarpetta's relationship with Mark contribute to her character? Provide at least 3 specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

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