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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 does Alex say is a sexy detective from the movie, Foxy Brown?

2. Where is Sergeant Cooper awaiting execution?

3. How old was John when his father ran out on him and his mother?

4. What kind of car do the Three Blind Mice drive?

5. Where is Jamilla's grandmother from who taught her a creamed corn bread recipe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the attitude of Ronald Hodge as Alex and John interview him as a witness to the crimes that occurred next door?

2. Who is stationed outside the prison on Sergeant Cooper's execution day and what are they doing?

3. How does Alex know Jamilla?

4. How does Starkey feel about Rocky Mount, North Carolina?

5. What is the scene like when Alex and John arrive at Sergeant Cooper's cell during the deathwatch preceding his execution?

6. How does the author describe Fort Bragg when Alex and John arrive there to look for clues?

7. Why does Alex think that Nana is a good shrink?

8. How does the author describe Griffin?

9. What anecdote does John share with Billie about returning from the war?

10. How does Harris treat Starkey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do Alex and Nana cope with her impending operation? How has Nana's illness manifested itself throughout the book? When does it become evident that she has to do something about it? How does she react initially? How does she resign herself to the situation?

Essay Topic 2

Many artifacts are left at the scene of the murders. What are the significance of these artifacts? What other "calling cards" are left? Who leaves them and why?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the jar of marbles in the story? Who tells Alex the parable? What point is this person trying to make?

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This section contains 691 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample