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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 does Marino want Scarpetta to prove to him?

2. Why was Susan in such need of money before her death?

3. What happens to Scarpetta after she appears in court?

4. Who is Charlie Hale?

5. According to the bird expert, what are the mysterious feathers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What personal advice does Marino give Scarpetta over lunch once rumors surrounding Susan's death have hit the papers?

2. Why does Jennifer's ex-husband like Scarpetta so much?

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

4. Why is Benton concerned for Scarpetta's safety?

5. Why does Scarpetta head to Robyn's old house to get fingerprints?

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

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

8. Once Lucy discovers someone has tapped into AFIS, what is Benton's theory about Waddell's fingerprints?

9. What question does Grueman have about Scarpetta's finances?

10. Why is Scarpetta relieved of her duties?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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.

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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