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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Frank's and Jake's grandfather give to them as a bonus for a job well done?
(a) Twenty dollars for each of them.
(b) Ten dollars for each of them.
(c) A gold coin for each of them.
(d) Five dollars for each of them.

2. What advice does Gus give to Frank and Jake when they ask for his help?
(a) Gus tells them to tell the whole story to Nathan.
(b) Gus tells them to slash Officer Doyle's tires.
(c) Gus tells them to make a list of the gossipers and he will take care of them later.
(d) Gus tells them to forget about it and focus on Ariel's funeral.

3. What reason do Julia and Axel give for cutting themselves off from the Drums as of late?
(a) Their lawyer advised them not to speak to anyone.
(b) Their focus has been on protecting Karl and helping him through his grief.
(c) Julia has had enough of Ruth's attitude.
(d) They have been out of town researching colleges for Karl.

4. What is Frank's reply when Jake asks what they should do about the news they have received about jail?
(a) "We spring him."
(b) "Don't tell Dad."
(c) "Run and get Dad."
(d) "Let's get out of here."

5. Why are Frank and Jake unable to play with Danny when they go to find him at the O'Keefes' house?
(a) His mother is afraid he will be attacked if he goes outside.
(b) He is too sad to get out of bed.
(c) He has gone to stay with relatives.
(d) He is ill.

Short Answer Questions

1. What behavior does Ruth exhibit that lets Frank and Jake know how upset she is and truly frightens them as a result?

2. Besides wanting to play, what is the true reason for Frank's and Jake's visit to see Danny?

3. What happens just before Ruth stands up from the kitchen table and announces she is leaving the family to go to her father's house to stay for a while?

4. Why do Ruth and Emil stop spending time together?

5. What evidence of Warren Redstone's guilt do the police find when they search the O'Keefes' basement where he has been staying?

Short Essay Questions

1. Besides the sheriff's mention of Morris Engdahl, what happens to prompt Frank to tell the sheriff about Morris Engdahl's dislike of Ariel?

2. Who acts as the go-between, bringing news back and forth between the police station and the Drum family and how does this role fit the character's relationship to the family?

3. What secret does Karl finally reveal to Nathan that makes it fairly clear that he had no hand in Ariel's murder?

4. How does Nathan's sermon affect Frank?

5. What news does Gus bring to Ruth while Nathan is at the funeral home making arrangements for Ariel's funeral?

6. Why and how does Ruth lose the one person who has served as her comfort throughout the tragedy surrounding Ariel?

7. What timeline does Karl present when he is questioned by the police?

8. Why is it ironic that Ruth refuses to attend the New Bremen church service at which Nathan preaches right after Ariel's dead body is found?

9. When the sheriff finally notices Frank standing in the doorway after the questioning, what idea does he provide that gives Ruth hope?

10. How do the themes of racism and larger injustice surface in the aftermath of Ariel's disappearance?

(see the answer keys)

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