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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 does Rusty find on a large iron tool in the basement of his house?

2. What favor does Rusty ask of the caller in #98?

3. Marty does not tell the prosecutor that Rusty had an affair with his mother because _________________________.

4. As an expert witness, Dr. Kumagai will say __________________________.

5. Sandy requests that __________________ not be allowed on the prosecuting team because he is also on the witness list.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rusty deduce about why Sandy was considering entering the B file into the trial?

2. Why does the author raise the critical issue of Kumagai's testimony just as he had shown positive successes for the defense?

3. What does Sandy say about Rusty in the judge's chambers about someone framing Rusty and why does he take that chance?

4. How does the murder trial affect Rusty and Barbara's marriage?

5. What is the significance of Rusty's dream about his mother in Chapter 25?

6. What does Rusty recall about washing the murder weapon and how does Barbara behave to let the reader know that she is the murderer?

7. Why is the end of the trial so unsettling for the reader?

8. What does Lionel Kenneally tell Rusty that connects Larren Lyttle to Carolyn and Tommy Molto?

9. How do Horgan and Judge Lyttle react to legal situations?

10. Why does Della Guardia want Molto to testify in the case? What does Dr. Robinson say regarding Rusty's ever confessing murder to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Turow use the literary technique of local color in PRESUMED INNOCENT? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Kindle County establishments, in the characters, and in the events.

Essay Topic 2

Turow is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Even though Carolyn was dead at the beginning of the novel, what can you understand about her from reading the book? Create a brief character study of Carolyn. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were some of her negative characteristics? What were her hopes and fears? What else can you say about Carolyn?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,274 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample