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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. Why does Pat threaten Bill Hardesty with physical violence?

2. Who does Pat visit in Chapter 16?

3. What is Lila supposed to make the shared ride look like?

4. What does Pat see on Eggleston's desk?

5. Why does Pat decide to smuggle Eggleston's body out of the building?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Pat dismayed upon entering Eggleston's office?

2. What would Senator Burkman's loss in the election mean?

3. Why is Pat stunned in Chapter 23?

4. Why does Lila insist on a ride from Pat in Chapter 27?

5. Does Pat trust Madeline?

6. Is Doc's plan ruined because of Edgar's announcement?

7. Why does Pat decide to smuggle the body out of the building?

8. What does the loss of Pat's job mean for Doc?

9. As of Chapter 26, are Pat and Lila in similar situations? Use evidence from the story to support your argument.

10. According to Eggleston, why was Pat paroled and not pardoned?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of intrigue and suspense to pique the reader's interest. Is he successful? How does this story compare to other novels you have read of the same genre?

Essay Topic 2

How are the central female characters portrayed in the novel? What role do Madeline, Lila Luther, and Myrtle Briscoe play in the development of the plot?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters who are morally upstanding and those characters who are morally corrupt.

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