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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. What is the spot of red that Frank observes in the river after Jake points it out?

2. Why are Frank and Jake unable to play with Danny when they go to find him at the O'Keefes' house?

3. What is missing from Warren Redstone's lean-to when Frank and Jake go to search it?

4. Where does Nathan go after Ruth storms off in anger about what Nathan is reading?

5. What does Warren Redstone have in his possession that causes the police to suspect his involvement with Ariel's disappearance?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nathan's sermon affect Frank?

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

3. Why is Frank so surprised to see Ruth and Gus sitting together at the kitchen table when he and the rest of the family return from Sibley Park?

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

5. What happens to cause suspicion to fall on Warren Redstone in relation to Ariel's disappearance?

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

7. 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?

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

9. 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?

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

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

The socioeconomic status of the different families within New Bremen is a frequent focus of the novel's events. What messages is the author sending about wealth, success and prestige?

Essay Topic 3

Eavesdropping is a motif used throughout the novel. Examine at least three instances of eavesdropping within the narrative. Analyze each instance and provide a specific claim about the ways in which the author uses eavesdropping in order to affect the novel's message.

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