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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 Ryan tell Brennan to do when they get to the compound?

2. What does Brennan do to clear her head in Chapter 28?

3. Where did the cult go to perform the mass suicide?

4. Who is Kathryn worried about dying?

5. In Chapter 27, who disappears without saying goodbye?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 25, Kathryn shows up at Brennan's door. What does she say was Heidi's motivation for leaving the commune?

2. What does Red tell Brennan about cults in Chapter 28 that worries her?

3. What is the anti-climactic event that happens in Chapter 24? Why is it anti-climatic?

4. In Chapter 34, what does Brennan tell Elle that makes Elle angry?

5. In Chapter 32, Ryan updates Brennan on the case. How did the cult members avoid the police?

6. The climax occurs at the end of Chapter 33. What happens? Why is this the climax and not a later event?

7. In Chapter 35, Brennan finally reveals the mystery of the Elisabeth Nicolet bones. What was the mystery? Why might it be a problem?

8. In Chapter 32, the author reveals more of Ryan's personality or character traits. What kind of person is Ryan? What does he value? Use details from the novel to support your assertions.

9. In Chapter 19, Kathryn talks about what the group she belongs to does. What does she say that reminds her of Harry? Is it significant?

10. What is the mood in the beginning of Chapter 33? Give details to support your response.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of isolation is most clearly evident in Dr. Brennan's character. How does she isolate herself? What motivates her to isolate herself? Does she change at the end of the novel? What is the author's view of isolation based on her treatment of Brennan? What does the ending suggest will happen to Brennan?

Essay Topic 2

As a mystery novel, "Death Du Jour" utilizes suspense to keep the reader interested. Critique Kathy Reichs use of suspense. What worked? What did not work? Use examples from the book as part of your critique.

Essay Topic 3

Pick three scenes where dialogue played a vital role in either moving the action along or revealing something about a characters. In an essay, determine the importance of dialogue and why this was the best way or why there is a better way to do this.

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