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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 many times a week did Markowitz go dancing prior to his death?

2. Who is Siddon terrified of in New York?

3. How does Mallory appear at the crime scene in her demeanor?

4. Whose house does Mallory visit to play poker at night?

5. What area of New York City does O'Connell describe along with victims in the first two chapters?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Butler upset with Mallory in her new office in his building?

2. When Margot cannot get into her apartment, how does she reveal her desperation in her subsequent acts?

3. When Mallory tells Butler about the seance, what conclusions does he draw about people and information?

4. What is of significance to the pawnbroker about the jewelry brought in by the junkie?

5. Why is Butler able to relate to Cathery?

6. Despite what limitations does Butler like Cathery?

7. What are possible motives for Cathery to commit the murder?

8. Why does Margot go to the bank?

9. Why does Mallory run out screaming from the seance?

10. How does Mallory gain access into the theater where Gaynor is?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

O'Connell uses more than one iteration on the theme of betrayal. Identify at least two themes about betrayal in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 2

Edith and Gaylor are two intriguing characters involved with seances.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Edith had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Gaylor had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the seance group? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe some of the settings for the book. What is the overall setting? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did O'Connell choose to use these places in the book?

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This section contains 732 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample