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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. A conversation between the soprano, director and maestro is witnessed by which person?

2. What is the name of the woman's friend?

3. What word is used to describe the documents found in Wellauer's study?

4. Wellauer threatened to give damaging information about the women to which of the following?

5. What is the name of the main detective in the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Brunetti want to go to the Faliers' house for a party?

2. What are Patta's orders to Brunetti? What is the concern about solving the case quickly?

3. What comment does Santore make that intrigues Brunetti?

4. What was Santore's opinion of Wellauer? What was Wellauer's response to Santore?

5. Brunetti learns some background information on Wellauer's life. List at least two important facts learned about Wellauer.

6. As Brunetti walks home from his meeting with Lynch he thinks about Paola's family. What is Brunetti's relationship with his in-laws?

7. Who does Brunetti bump into at the party? Why is he surprised to see this particular guest?

8. What is the first sign that something is amiss at La Fenice?

9. Who is the first person interviewed by Brunetti in chapter 3? What is Brunetti's impression of the interviewee?

10. What information does Brunetti receive when he asks the Signora about Wellauer's will?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a 500 word essay on the following topic: Examine the sense of place used by Leon. Describe the locations mentioned in the book and how the story would suffer if the author would move it to a different location. What is the influence of old Europe in the story? How does the structure and culture of Venice play into the characters' thoughts and behavior? In what ways are the Venetians more traditional than people in the United States? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story, Brunetti was presented with various leads that might help to solve the case. There are also leads that could distract Brunetti and lead him on a wild goose chase. Discuss how Brunetti could tell a valuable lead from one that may not turn out to be anything important. Does one get precedence in the investigation? If so, how do the police decide? Do you think that the clues Brunetti chose to follow were the best ones? How might you have handled the case?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss elitist behavior. Write an essay regarding the use of elitist behavior throughout the story. How does the behavior affect the case? How does Brunetti respond? One example can be found in Brett Lynch, a wealthy, well educated and highly respected archeologist. Explain how Lynch shows elitist behavior toward Brunetti and the other police. What is the basis of the behavior? Is it societal or a conscious behavior on Lynch's part? Answer the same questions in regards to the Count and Countessa Falier.

(see the answer keys)

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