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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 Norma Breen think?

2. Where does Will confront Maggie, telling her she's ruined everything?

3. What was the name of the mare Will rode with Allie?

4. Who became a couple between the first and second trials for Maggie?

5. Who is the director of Will's first movie?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Maggie feel when she is taken in front of the judge to deliver her plea?

2. What does Norma discover about Will and the night that he died?

3. What mistake does Suzanne make when the shooting for Primrose is over?

4. How does Will feel about the way his relationship with Maggie is progressing?

5. What is the first scene that Will is asked to play in Primrose?

6. What effect does this information have on Maggie's conviction?

7. What irritated Will the most about life?

8. What does Maggie discover that relieves her, but also takes away a large part of her defense?

9. How long after Patrick's death does Nathan Bailford wait before going to see Maggie and why does he finally go?

10. What is the first inkling Maggie has that Will could be violent with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The legal system has many flaws but what might be seen as one of its greatest is the treatment that witnesses are forced to endure by opposing council. In this novel, which witness is browbeaten on the stand for the sake of 'justice'? How does this scenario compare to real life trials and their witnesses? Is it likely that cases of rape or sexual misconduct go unreported because witnesses fear this kind of character assassination on the stand? What recent cases in life can be compared to this issue? Should the legal rules be changed to protect those who come forward with claims of sexual abuse?

Essay Topic 2

Evil is evident in this novel on several layers. What evil is openly displayed and by which character or characters? What are some examples of more subtle evil? Which characters displayed these qualities? How does evil come into being? Are we born with it, or are the circumstances of our lives what make us become evil? What kinds of circumstances might make a person evil who did not start out that way?

Essay Topic 3

Insanity is a plea often used in the court system. What qualifies as an insanity defense? Could Maggie have claimed temporary insanity as a defense in the killing of Patrick or Will? If so, why? How is the defense preferable for the person convicted? Compare a guilty verdict to a guilty verdict by reason of insanity? What are the similarities and what are the differences? How might Will have used this defense had he been required to for Palmer's murder or for the attempted murder of Maggie and her children?

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