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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. In what month does the book begin?
(a) August.
(b) May.
(c) December.
(d) July.

2. Smithback's informant insists that Smtihback must meet whom?
(a) Elvis.
(b) Mephisto.
(c) Tail Gunner.
(d) Arnold Murray.

3. What is D'Agosta's theory about the murders in Chapter 20?
(a) That a cult might be committing the murders.
(b) That the deaths aren't linked at all.
(c) That the murders are definitely attributable to the homeless population.
(d) That the murders are the work of a serial killer.

4. What is a Stumpiniceps troglodytes?
(a) An oceanic bottom-feeder of the Carboniferous period.
(b) A rodent, much like a mouse, from the Carboniferous period.
(c) A tree-dwelling serpent from the Triassic period.
(d) A small, odoriferous reptile of the Cretaceous period.

5. What is the name of the administrator of the Physical Anthropology lab?
(a) Emmaline Spragg.
(b) Greg Kawakita.
(c) Margo Green.
(d) Sy Hagedorn.

Short Answer Questions

1. What question does Pendergast ask D'Agosta when they see the squatters' fire in the tunnel?

2. What is Pendergast's place of residence called?

3. What is the identity of the deformed skeleton?

4. What was the conclusion made by the medical examiner after examining the teeth marks on the bones of the victims?

5. What is another name given to the homeless population in the tunnels?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Brambell's theory about what animal is responsible for the teeth marks on Pamela Wisher's bones? How does this change the direction of the investigation?

2. What do you think is the author's purpose in describing Sergeant Hayward's physical characteristics in such detail?

3. Do you think that Bill Smithback would do anything to get the exclusive on a murder investigation? Why or why not? Do his tactics seem moral or sensationa? Why?

4. What about the Museum of Natural History makes its atmosphere àpropos to a book of this genre?

5. Do you think Chief Horlocker's decision to make sure that the case is given priority because a debutante is based upon social standing, given that homeless men and women have died in the same way for weeks? Why or why not?

6. What is the irony in the author's naming the leader of the Route 666 group Mephisto?

7. How does D'Agosta take Waxie's assignment as team leader for the investigation? Why does he feel it might be a good move for all concerned?

8. Does the existence of an underground "clan" seem plausible? What do you think is their purpose in the story?

9. Brambell and Frock are men of extraordinary intelligence. Why do you think their personalities clash?

10. What do you think is the importance of the New York Museum of Natural History to the storyline?

(see the answer keys)

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