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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 triggers Scarpetta into thinking that Sullivan might be lying?

2. Why was Jennifer Deighton writing to Waddell?

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

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

5. Where did Grueman keep his belongings?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Grueman confess about why he was so hard on Scarpetta in law school?

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

6. What causes Benton and Scarpetta to wonder if Eddie Heath's and Robyn's murders are related?

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

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

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

10. What does Scarpetta accuse Ben of during the confrontation in Ben's office?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Marino and Wesley. How are they similar? How are they different? Make sure to use direct evidence from the text, such as examples and quotations, to support your thesis.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 856 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample