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. In addition to the revelation about Ariel's pregnant state at the time of her death, what is the other reason the sheriff cites for Karl moving to the top of the murder suspect list?

2. What is Nathan's reaction when Gus asks if Nathan would like some company after Ruth has left in anger over his choice of reading material?

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. When the sheriff calls Frank onto the porch and asks him a series of questions, about whom are the questions?

5. What happens to foil Frank's plan to find out what happens during the conversation between Ruth and Nathan?

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

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

4. 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?

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

6. How does Nathan's sermon affect Frank?

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

8. What are the differences in how each member of the Drum family feels about Karl's new status as a murder suspect?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of red herrings within his mystery narrative. How are they used and what messages does the author send through their use?

Essay Topic 2

Vices often play a role in the narrative, with some characters engaging in drinking, smoking, and gambling, among other activities often considered immoral, or at least troublesome. How does the author use characters' vices in contrast with the themes of faith and innocence within the novel?

Essay Topic 3

A message about prejudice, particularly that experienced by people of color in 1960s America, is expressed through certain characters and particular situations within the novel. Describe and analyze three of these instances and create a claim stating the author's message about prejudice.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,450 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample