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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. How does Scarpetta answer the questions posed to her in court?

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

3. What does Scarpetta arrange for Lucy to do during Lucy's visit with Benton?

4. Why does Benton think Susan did not fingerprint Waddell?

5. Who catches Scarpetta in Ben's office?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the press know about Scarpetta's meeting with the governor?

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

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

4. What does Susan's husband tell the newspapers about Scarpetta?

5. Why does Waddell's decision to give up appealing his case surprise Scarpetta?

6. What does Scarpetta learn about the bullets used in both Eddie Heath's and Susan's cases?

7. What act of kindness does Scarpetta do for Charlie Hale?

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

9. Why do Benton and Scarpetta rearrange the furniture in Robyn's old house?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Discuss at least 3 ways the novel would change if it were written from the perspective of Detective Marino OR Special Agent Wesley. What are 3 literary devices Cornwell could use to write from these 2 different characters' perspectives?

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 743 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample