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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 is one activity that is NOT among the activities offered at the annual Fourth of July celebration?
(a) A dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.
(b) A pie-eating contest.
(c) Vendors selling their wares.
(d) A fireworks show.

2. When Jake refers to the possible identity of Ariel's murderer, Frank realizes he has been in denial about the possibility of foul play in Ariel's death. Prior to this moment, what has Frank been thinking happened to Ariel?
(a) He has thought that she climbed the train trestle and fell off of it into the river.
(b) He has thought that Ariel pitched her tent too close to the river and fell into the water during the night.
(c) He has thought that she drank too much and drowned in the river after going swimming.
(d) He has thought that she mistakenly fell into the river at the bonfire and Karl did not notice her absence.

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

4. What happens to foil Frank's plan to find out what happens during the conversation between Ruth and Nathan?
(a) Ruth immediately retires to bed after her conversation with Nathan.
(b) Lise comes charging out of the house toward the shed.
(c) Frank's tape recorder breaks.
(d) Jake refuses to eavesdrop on their parents.

5. What activity does Gus treat Frank to when trying to help Frank deal with Ariel's death?
(a) A long ride on Gus' motorcycle.
(b) A swim at the old quarry.
(c) A movie.
(d) An ice cream cone.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who prevents Morris Engdahl from hurting Frank on the Fourth of July?

2. When Frank tells the police that Morris Engdahl does not like Ariel, what names does he say Morris Engdahl has called Ariel in the past?

3. For what purpose does Nathan give Frank and Jake money when he goes to talk to Ruth?

4. What does Frank's and Jake's grandfather give to them as a bonus for a job well done?

5. What is the only emotion Jake seems to exhibit following the news that Ariel is dead?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of how Frank spends the money he has been saving up from the yard work he does for his grandfather?

2. 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?

3. How does Warren Redstone play a role in the altercation between Frank and Morris Engdahl?

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

5. In what ways are the complicated nature of the grief cycle demonstrated to the reader through the experiences of Frank and Jake?

6. When Frank and Jake try to overhear yet another conversation at Emil's and Lise's house, their plan is thwarted. What is the cause of their plan failing?

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

8. What causes Ruth to get less and less hopeful about Ariel's safe return as phone calls continue to stream into their home?

9. What is the cause of Lise's heightened anxiety and frantic behavior when Nathan goes to Emil's house to talk to Ruth?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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