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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. Who is the lead demon that Anna tries to kill?

2. What does Shiro say is not Harry's fault?

3. What does Harry drink in the bathroom?

4. Where did Nicodemus plan a back-up ceremony?

5. What does Susan refuse to answer when questioned by Harry?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Anna trick Harry and escape from Father Forthill's?

2. Who does Harry find with the Shroud when he tracks it to a small room in the hotel, and what does he overhear her saying to Marcone?

3. What does Shiro reveal to Harry?

4. What does Shiro say to Harry about the duel and Harry's culpability for the war between the Red Court and the White Council?

5. What does Susan say happened after she and Anna left the motel the day before?

6. How does Harry restrain Susan?

7. What is Harry's reaction to the sample of the Shroud he picks up on the way to the meeting about the duel?

8. Describe the battle for the Shroud on the train.

9. Describe the duel between Ortega and Harry.

10. Describe the interaction between Marcone and Harry at the charity benefit.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death Masks is one book in a series of novels involving Harry Dresden. Discuss the following.

1. What are a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are a couple disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a stand alone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The ultimate success of a book hinges on many factors. A book such as Death Masks is difficult to gauge its success because it is one in a series of books about Harry Dresden. Nonetheless, there are some aspects of any book that must be rendered well in order for it to be considered a successful work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. What are some aspects of Death Masks that contribute to it being a successful novel? Give examples.

2. What are some aspects of Death Masks that should be changed to make it an even more successful novel? Give examples.

3. Discuss five aspects of any work of fiction that need to be present and done well to make it a successful novel.

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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