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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. In the 1970s, what position was Clinton Tyree elected to?

2. What was Decker's first occupation out of high school?

3. On what date does Bobby Clinch "go fishing" for the last time?

4. When Ott PIckney shows up at Decker's hotel the day after sending Decker to see Skink, where does Pickney invite Decker to?

5. Who does the person hiring Decker accuse of cheating at fishing tournaments?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Dickie goes to Weeb's hotel room in New Orleans, what is the rumor that Dickie has heard?

2. When Skink finally shows up at his house to find Decker waiting for him, why does Skink tell Decker that he is beginning to like him?

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

4. As Tile, Decker, and Skink are driving away from the slough after finding Pickney's body, why does Tile have Decker and Skink duck down when an oncoming car gets close?

5. When Catherine visits Decker at his trailer, she asks Decker what he plans to do with the money he'll get from investigating the cheating case at the tournament. What does Decker tell her?

6. What does Decker like best about the car he drives?

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

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

9. Why does the local pathologist who examines Bobby Clinch's body not do a thorough autopsy?

10. Why does no one notice Skink when he sees Bobby Clinch on the day that Bobby dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characteristics, roles, loyalties, and agendas of the following people in the story: R.J. Decker, Skink, Dickie Lockhart, Charles Weeb, and Thomas Curl.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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