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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 twelve-year-old girl Nicole and Gary invite into their bed?

2. Nicole doesn't think there's anything wrong with being with other men because she doesn't ___________.

3. Lu Ann points out that Gary has not been in a ___________ for a long time.

4. Who is AWOL from the army, but the army takes him back anyway?

5. What does Nicole promise during her reconciliation with Gary after he writes her a long and explosive letter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Nicole's other lovers become a bit unnerved by her and by her situation?

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Gary do that shows he is an exceptionally strong man?

8. Describe how Gary acts as a worker at Vern's shop.

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

10. Why is Gary's case the case of a lifetime for Esplin and Snyder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Nicole is an obviously flawed woman, but she still seems to be Gary's rock and his love throughout the book.

Part 1: What do you think makes Nicole continue to stay with Gary during this book?

Part 2: Do you think Gary truly loves Nicole? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think Nicole truly loves Gary? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Several times in the story, Gary gets away with things he has done wrong. This is frustrating for the reader who realizes Gary is tragedy waiting to happen.

Part 1: Why does Gary's parole officer want Gary to get into trouble with the law again?

Part 2: What does Gary's parole office do in order to help Gary avoid jail time?

Part 3: Do you think Gary's parole office shares responsibility for the murders? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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