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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. When Andy characterizes himself as extremely conventional, what does he say about Jonathan Klein's personality?

2. In what substance is a single fingerprint stamped upon the inside of Ben's sweatshirt?

3. What guarantee does Andy provide to Laurie the day before Jacob's school reopens?

4. When Dan tells Andy that it does not matter what happens to him now that Ben is dead, what is NOT an example he provides?

5. What object does Andy go to retrieve from an upstairs bedroom in Ben's family's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the clue that points most markedly to Jacob's involvement in Ben's murder?

2. What action does Dan Rifkin take against Andy once Jacob comes under suspicion?

3. Discuss one coping mechanism Andy uses to get through Jacob's murder trial.

4. What is posted on Facebook about a knife of Jacob's and by whom is it posted?

5. In relation to Ben's murder, when does Andy testify in front of the grand jury?

6. Discuss the ways in which Laurie changes as a result of Jacob's indictment.

7. How is the theme of deception depicted within Andy's conversation with Sarah in Chapter 5?

8. Explain the significance of the chapter title "Mindfuck" (34).

9. What happens when Andy and Laurie confront Jacob about the knife Andy found in Jacob's room?

10. How does the author use Jacob's relationship with the telephone to indicate Jacob's lack of comfort with intimacy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Andy’s character throughout the novel. Discuss whether he is a round or flat character and whether he is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

Read the Praise for the Novel section included within Defending Jacob or find on your own a few critical essays that discuss the novel. Make a list of all of the different genres named by different critics of the novel. With which genre determination do you agree and why?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the author's use of a confessional tone in relating the narrative of Defending Jacob.

(see the answer keys)

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