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

2. Who feels guilty about having foresight and asks Butler if destiny is writ?

3. Who knows Redwing's new location but will not tell Mallory?

4. Who jumps to the conclusion that Coffey has given into a conspiracy theory regarding the old women, threatening letters, and demands for money?

5. How old is Butler?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Edith want from Mallory as she packs for her trip?

2. When Butler realizes how powerful Edith is, what does he blame her for?

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

4. In the end, how does Mallory act by Markowitz?

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

6. When Butler visits Edith, what does he discover about Mallory?

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

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

9. When Butler goes to Edith's house, how does he determine changes that help him as clues to the investigation?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Who feels betrayed in Mallory's Oracle and in what ways? Who suffers as a result of this betrayal? What emotions are evoked by betrayal? Take a closer look at the different people involved and the roles they play.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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