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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. What does Gary discover is his real last name, according to his birth certificate, although he had been told otherwise?

2. Gary writes letters to Nicole as he is on death row, complaining about what?

3. What did Dr. Wesley Weissart diagnose Gary with when he was at Oregon State Penitentiary?

4. What do Sterling and Gary talk about a lot as they work in Vern's shop?

5. Who is an uptight religious fanatic who is given to nervous breakdowns?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the state of April, Nicole's sister, when Gary finds her at Nicole's mother's house.

2. What happens when Gary and Nicole try to consummate their new relationship?

3. What is Peter's reason for living, as described in the book, even though he can't handle much stress?

4. Describe the nature of Nicole's first marriage.

5. Describe Nicole when she meets Gary as the age of twenty.

6. What are some of the good times Bessie and Gary shared between his prison sentences?

7. What does Cline Campbell have to say about Gary's decision to let the state kill him?

8. Describe the character of Peter Galovan, a character who emerges in Book 1, Part 3.

9. What do people have to say about Gary's talents as an artist?

10. Why do Gary's lawyers believe the death sentence will not be carried out and that it will be eventually overturned?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One's image of themselves seems to spurn on that person's actions as well.

Part 1: How does Nicole see herself? What actions does she take as a result of this self image?

Part 2: How does Gary see himself? What actions does he take as a result of his self image?

Part 3: Would changing one's self image change one's actions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Gary seems to use violence as a reaction to things he can not control in his life. This causes disastrous consequences for all involved.

Part 1: Describe two situations in which Gary uses violence when he is frustrated.

Part 2: Does it seem that Gary really wants to be violent? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why might Gary think violence is the only way to handle his feelings?

Essay Topic 3

The control Gary seems to have over Nicole affects not only her, but also him. He seems consumed by her at times.

Part 1: Why do you think Gary manipulated Nicole into trying to take her life?

Part 2: Why do you think Gary and Nicole continue to stay with each other?

Part 3: In what ways does Nicole have control over Gary?

(see the answer keys)

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