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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. According to Pickney's educated guess, about how much does Bobby's tackle box weigh?

2. Who tells Decker at the funeral that Bobby's death was not accidental?

3. Where was Jim Tile born?

4. After Decker and Skink leave Tile's car and begin heading through the woods, they are shot at. How many people are after them?

5. What is the name of Bobby Clinch's mistress?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Dennis Gault never rigged a bass tournament himself?

2. Why does Decker accept the case regarding cheating at the fishing tournaments?

3. As Decker returns to Skink's house after Bobby's funeral, why does Decker honk his horn twice?

4. According to Decker, what is the most dreaded assignment in journalism?

5. Why does Decker leave his first profession out of high school and accept a job at a local newspaper?

6. Why did Decker quit doing photography as a living?

7. After Skink releases all but two of the bass that were stashed in fish cages the night before the bass tournament in New Orleans, Skink clips the first two spines on the dorsal fins of the remaining two bass. Why?

8. What does Dennis Gault hope to gain by pulling out of the next few fishing tournaments?

9. How does Pickney characterize bass guides when Decker asks Pickney for his help in finding a guide?

10. Why does Decker not bother to hide his expensive camera equipment in his trailer home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several different literary techniques as the story is told in regards to the story's flow. Describe the techniques of both flashbacks and foreshadowing. How are each of these techniques used in the story? Give specific examples of each technique. Why might the author have chosen to use both of these techniques in the story? Was the story enhanced by the use of these two techniques? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story, there are several attempts made on Decker's life.

a. Identify three characters or groups who try to kill Decker. Describe the situation and how Decker escapes.

b. Compare and contrast the characters that try to kill Decker, as well as these characters' motivations.

Essay Topic 3

One of the main themes in this novel involves deceptive appearances.

a. Identify three characters that use deceptive appearances to further their interests.

b. Why do these characters rely on deception?

c. What is the outcome for these characters? Were they successful in their endeavors or would they have been more successful if they had not been deceptive? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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