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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. Who is the doctor at the state mental hospital who is evaluating Gary during his prison sentence?

2. Who is Gary's first date since being out of prison?

3. What is the profession of Grace McGinnis?

4. Where does Gary's truck end up as the police are trying to take him into custody?

5. Nicole continues to ____________ from Springfield in order to get to Gary.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the evidence the prosecution has in the case against Gary?

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

6. Why does Grace McGinnis eventually sever ties with Bessie and her clan?

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

8. What are the mental health conclusions that Esplin and Snyder learn in their trips to Utah State Hospital?

9. What is the biggest obstacle for the lawyers who are trying to defend Gary in his murder charges?

10. What is one of the first signs in the book that Gary might have feelings for younger girls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During this story, it seem that Gary has two different versions of reality - that which is true and that which he imagines in his head.

Part 1: In what ways is Gary's perception of reality false? Cite specific examples.

Part 2: In what ways does Gary seem to be grounded in reality? Cite specific examples.

Part 3: What does Gary's constant fantasies seem to say about his mental state?

Essay Topic 2

The presence of sex in this story seems to be truly 'sex' rather than the idea of making love.

Part 1: Why does Nicole use sex during this story? What does it seem to provide for her?

Part 2: How does Gary use sex in this story? What does he seem to get in return?

Part 3: What does the author seem to be saying about sex and its relationship to violence?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of religion is one that presents itself again and again in this book. The Mormon Church lurks in the background throughout the events of this story.

Part 1: Does Gary seem to be a religious person? Support your answer.

Part 2: Why do you think Campbell thinks it's okay for Gary to be killed by the state?

Part 3: How does the Mormon Church affect Gary's case? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

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