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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. Dr. Vogel pronounces that Jacob's what is not "at the same level as his peers" (295)?

2. What is the reason for the delay the morning of the first day of Jacob's trial?

3. When Laurie refuses Andy's offer for medication the night before Jacob's trial starts, what does he do instead that she says helps her relax?

4. How long after the adjournment of court one day does Dr. Vogel meet with Jacob's parents to deliver her psychiatric diagnoses of Jacob?

5. Whom does David name as telling David's family to speak to no one until after the trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Andy state about a prosecutor's feelings about the internet?

2. What is the symbolism of the chain on the Yoo family's door?

3. What reason does Andy give for granting Dr. Vogel's request for a particular item?

4. How does William Landay use a sailboat to create a simile about the timeline of a trial?

5. When Andy loses his temper while testifying in front of the grand jury, Neal uses the episode as a way to comment on Andy's relationship with control. What does Neal say?

6. What does Jacob's iPod Touch symbolize?

7. What is the judge's ruling about the introduction of evidence relating to the murder gene?

8. In what ways do classmates of Jacob's express to Andy their thoughts about Jacob's true nature?

9. How does Andy get Patz's attention when he wants to talk to Patz?

10. What verdict does Andy name as the only one that will make a real difference to his family, even if Jacob is acquitted?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss William Landay's use of the appearance versus reality theme throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Study carefully the way in which William Landay builds the character of Andy over the course of the novel in a way that gradually reveals his true nature to the reader. Write an analysis of the author's characterization methods regarding Andy and discuss his purpose for these character choices.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the shocking and unexpected ending of William Landay's novel Defending Jacob. What are the author's intentions for the ending's effects on the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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