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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 10, what is Paul's response after Patty tells Spenser her thoughts on the reality of modern women?
(a) "Those are your beliefs, Mom."
(b) "Yeah, look where it got you."
(c) "You are going through a tough time. But you will not feel that way forever."
(d) "Just because I am a boy I do not have an opinion on the subject."

2. Who does Spenser call on to help him during the hostage situation in Chapter 12?
(a) Harold.
(b) Buddy.
(c) Hawk.
(d) Henry.

3. In Chapter 11, one of the men says something about Spenser and guns. What is it?
(a) That Spenser has had a bad history with guns, and that he should stay away from them.
(b) That Spenser never carries a gun.
(c) That Spenser could not hit the broad side of a barn with a shotgun full of bird shot.
(d) That Spenser never was a shooter, and that is what is wrong with him.

4. What does the narrator say to the woman who answers the door in Chapter 2?
(a) That he is looking for her lost cat.
(b) That he is delivering a package from Mr. Giacomin.
(c) That he is selling magazine subscriptions.
(d) That he needs directions.

5. What favor does Patty ask of Spenser in Chapter 5?
(a) That Spenser move in as their permanent bodyguard.
(b) That Spenser take Paul out to dinner because she has plans.
(c) That Spenser stay the night and protect her and Paul.
(d) That Spenser serve Mel with a restraining order.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is inside the building that the narrator enters in Chapter 3?

2. Who is the tall man with the boot camp crew-cut and a navy watch cap who entered Patty's house?

3. In Chapter 9, what do Paul and Spenser decide to do for dessert?

4. Who was at home with Patty when Spenser and Paul arrived in Chapter 5?

5. In Chapter 10, Spenser tells Patty that he can put her in touch with the feminist writer, Rachel Wallace. Patty responds that feminist theory is all well and good on paper, but that it is not successful in reality. Spenser asks her what the term, successful means in the "real world"; and Patty's response is:

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Spenser not like the growing sense of intimacy that he describes in Chapter 10?

2. Spenser reluctantly takes the job of protecting Patty and Paul from Mel and his thugs. What reservations does Spenser have about taking the job, and why does he take it?

3. What type of person does the narrator seem to be?

4. What type of person does Mel Giacomin appear to be?

5. What do Paul Giacomin's feelings for his parents appear to be?

6. In Chapter 12 we meet Hawk. What kind of a person does Hawk appear to be?

7. Based on what we read in Chapter 2, what types of personal qualities would be necessary to handle Spenser's job? Why?

8. If you were Spenser, what would you have done differently in Chapter 2?

9. How does Spenser diffuse the situation between himself, Buddy, and Harold in Chapter 11?

10. In April, after Mel's thugs try to kidnap Paul, Patty Giacomin calls Spenser for help once again. This time, she asks Spenser to protect her and Paul. Why does Patty desperately call Spenser when she experiences trouble with her ex-husband in relation to her son?

(see the answer keys)

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