View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who reveals a strong loyalty to Mallory throughout the novel?

2. Who tries to chase the suspect at the park after the dog violence, leaving Riker behind?

3. Who was unable to give Riker's boss the training he/she needed?

4. In the cryptic conversation with the mystery caller contacted by Evenroe, who was cast out of town?

5. In the cryptic conversation with the mystery caller contacted by Evenroe, who ran away?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about the puppy at Redwing's feet in the park?

2. What is Redwing charged with when Mallory's associates round her up from her apartment?

3. Why is Mallory warned to stay away from Redwing?

4. After Gaynor's death, where is the blame for the murders going?

5. Why does Margot alarm a customer at a thrift store?

6. How is Mallory's relationship with Butler different from that of other men?

7. Why is Redwing such a serious threat according to Edith and others?

8. Why does Mallory shed fake tears for Coffey and the DA?

9. What does Mallory regret about Markowitz at the end of the novel?

10. When Butler wakes up in the hospital, why is he confused?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Mallory's motivation and reasons for paying close attention to the seances. What do they reveal about the murderer?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in New York in the 1990s when the women in the book are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do the have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have, if any?

Essay Topic 3

How is sexuality portrayed in Mallory's Oracle? Which characters appear overtly sexual? Which characters are sexually appealing to others and why? What sexual taboos are broken and what issues are raised in relation to sex?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 599 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample