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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. Initially, how does Scarpetta respond to the request to look at her records?

2. How does Ben respond to Scarpetta's numerous accusations?

3. Who goes with Scarpetta to visit Sullivan's apartment?

4. What is Jennifer's ex-husband's name?

5. Why does Scarpetta search Ben Stevens's office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Scarpetta relieved of her duties?

2. What does the bird expert say about the feathers found at every crime scene?

3. Why does Scarpetta request that Benton put an article in the paper about the theft of jackets?

4. Why does Benton not believe that Waddell would be capable of the recent murders?

5. Over dinner at the ski lodge, what do Benton and Scarpetta decide is an unlikely hypothesis of Waddell?

6. Why does Scarpetta find the request to see her guns ridiculous?

7. What does Scarpetta suspect about the briefcase Jennifer's ex-husband gives her?

8. What does Scarpetta hypothesize about the killer from the information she learns from the bird expert?

9. How does Scarpetta know that the killer only had access to crime scene pictures, not the crime scene itself, of Robyn's murder?

10. Why isn't anyone able to get fingerprints from Waddell?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some critics have noted that Benton Wesley is a boring character. Write a well-written argument that discusses whether or not this is a fair criticism. Use specific evidence from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss at least 4 ways "Cruel and Unusual" would be different if it were to take place in a very rural setting.

Essay Topic 3

Given what you know about Scarpetta's character, address why she is so hesitant to discuss the money she took out of her account to help the Hales. Make sure to discuss at least 3 specific events or decisions in the novel that help develop the reader's awareness of Scarpetta's personality that lead her to not be open about her offer to the Hales.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 834 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample