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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. How does Blaze protect herself during her conversation with Ambrose while at his home in Chapter 7?

2. On Wednesday evening, who can Fortney not forget?

3. Why is Blaze nervous arriving home so late?

4. What is the reason Letch gives Westbrook for why OJ used a knife rather than a gun?

5. What is the name Leeds gives to Simon Cooke?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Anne Zorn think about aging?

2. Why does Blaze feel uncomfortable talking to Detective Anne Zorn?

3. How does the reader learn how Dawn would be murdered?

4. Who do the cops think murdered Blaze and why?

5. Why does Blaze Duvall spend most of her time in her hotel room on Shelter Island?

6. What is Fortney’s response when Leeds asks him if he lost all hope in Nam?

7. What does Ambrose hope for, if the Black Magic can be destroyed?

8. Why is Ambrose’s attack on Blaze come as a complete surprise to her?

9. How does Blaze make Ambrose practically fall in love with her?

10. What does Anne Zorn remember about her days as a vice cop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Floaters is both a comedy and a tragedy. How is it both a comedy and a tragedy? Is it successful as both a comedy and tragedy? Why or why not? How does this mix of humor and death affect the reader? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Floaters ends with the Cup going into the hands of a loyal New Zealander. How would Ambrose feel about this, if he had lived? Would he have thought this man worthy of having the Cup? Why or why not? How might Ambrose think about his plot to sabotage the New Zealand boat, knowing who would receive the Cup?

Essay Topic 3

Floaters was written and takes place n the mid-1990s. What are details from the story that reveal this? Do you find the story dated because of these details? Why or why not? If you were Wambaugh, would you update the novel to present-day? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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