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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. With what does Harry arm himself?

2. Who sends Father Vincent to represent paranormal doubters to the show where Dresden and Lindquist are?

3. What sort of spell does Dresden cast around himself?

4. About what anti-venom does Harry ask the spirit?

5. What makes it difficult for evil supernatural forces to enter a place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Susan ask Harry and what is his reply?

2. How does Father Vincent respond when Harry updates Vincent about Harry's attempts to recover the Shroud, and how does Harry react?

3. What do Ebenezar McCoy and Harry talk about on the phone?

4. What does Harry learn from Butters and what does Harry speculate about concerning the information?

5. About what is Susan there to warn Harry?

6. What are Harry's options for weapons in the duel and what does he at first choose?

7. What is a suppression spell and why does Harry have to cast it?

8. Where and with whom does Harry appear in Chapter 1?

9. What does Father Vincent want of Harry?

10. What does Harry learn about the corpse while at the morgue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Jim Butcher.

2. What in Butcher's background may have helped him in writing Death Masks? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Death Masks help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Death Masks? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Death Masks to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Death Masks is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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