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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 Dautrieve suggest to Dave?

2. What is parked down the street from Dave and Annie's house?

3. What does Dave don?

4. What does Dave worry about for Robin?

5. From whom does Dave obtain assistance?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Dave think about as he is sitting in church and what are his thoughts on the subject?

2. Describe Dave Robicheaux.

3. What is an indication of Robin's possibly over drinking?

4. What does Dave learn from Robin before she leaves town?

5. What happens to Dave in the bayou?

6. What does Dave find when he dives down?

7. What do Dave and Annie do with the young girl they name Alafair?

8. How do Dave and Annie learn more about Alafair?

9. Where do Dave and Annie go when they dock their boat?

10. What police department did Dave work for and why is he no longer employed there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Burke chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Burke chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss James Lee Burke's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Burke use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 10, Romero calls Dave and says that he has cut a deal with Federal agents, except that Dave's refusal to come on board has stalled the process. Romero says that Dave must help him with the plea bargain or pay the consequences. Discuss the following:

1. What consequences do you think Romero has in mind?

2. Do you think it is wise and/or ethical for the government to cut a deal with Romero when he is threatening to commit another crime (i.e. the murder of Dave and/or a loved one of Dave's)?

3. Are plea bargains ethical in general? Fair? Necessary? What alternatives are there to plea bargains?

Essay Topic 3

Dave takes the law into his own hands when he decides to beat up Keats and then when he goes after Romero, one of his wife's murderers. Discuss the following:

1. When (or if) is it justified to mete out your own justice to someone who has wronged you or a loved one and broken the law in doing so?

2. What do you think it says about Dave's beliefs about the criminal justice system that he is his own judge and executioner?

3. Do you think Dave's beliefs about the justice system could influence his work as a police officer?

(see the answer keys)

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