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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 rob first in order to get money for a truck payment?

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

3. How long does Gary's court process take, including the day for jury selection?

4. What does Gary rob second in order to get money he needs for his truck payment?

5. What kind of cases are rare in Provo, making Gary's case one in a lifetime?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the things Gary thinks are interesting, revealing that he hasn't been in a bar in a long time?

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

3. What does Nicole pride herself on at the time when she meets Gary?

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

5. Why is Nicole taken off of Gary's visiting list at the prison, although she is eventually reinstated?

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

7. What are the two causes for Gary's murderous behaviors, according to Grace, his apologist?

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

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

10. Why does Gary contact Brenda as he comes to the end of his jail term in Oregon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The suicide theme is one that recurs during the story, with various players attempting to take their own life.

Part 1: When Nicole and Gary make a suicide pact, do you think Gary meant to go through with it? Why or why not?

Part 2: What do you think the goal of Nicole and Gary's suicide pact was? Why?

Part 3: Why does Gary turn to suicide after hearing his execution date has been changed?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The role of family in this story is a muddled one. Both Gary and Nicole seem to have had troubles with the male figures in their lives, which may have led to their current issues.

Part 1: Describe the troubles of Nicole as she grew up in her family.

Part 2: What might have impacted Gary in relation to his male family relationships?

Part 3: If these characters had positive male role models, do you think they would have turned out differently? Why or why not? How?

(see the answer keys)

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