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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. What is the name of the theory presented by Dr. Frock?
(a) Frockian evolution.
(b) Fractal evolution.
(c) Disparate evolution.
(d) Creationist evolution.

2. Who requests a meeting with D'Agosta in Chapter 7?
(a) Bill Smithback.
(b) Sergeant Hayward.
(c) Margo.
(d) Mephisto.

3. How many people are in Linnaeus Hall for the presentation of the evidence gleaned from the Bitterman autopsy?
(a) Seven.
(b) One hundred and ten.
(c) Thirty-six.
(d) Fourteen.

4. What is the translation given in the book of the phrase "Cui ci sono dei monstri"?
(a) Save me from the monsters.
(b) Believe in monsters.
(c) Here there be monsters.
(d) There are always monsters.

5. What is the average number of murders a day in the past year in New York as mentioned in Chapter 14?
(a) Four.
(b) Five.
(c) Two.
(d) One.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Smithbeck's informant ask to meet him?

2. In what month does the book begin?

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

4. What was the Tower modeled after?

5. What does Mephisto call the territory below Central Park?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what does Dr. Frock attribute the Mbwun's existence and its unlikely appearance in New York?

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

3. What is ironic about using the muse of rhetoric, Polyhymnia, to name an ornate club in Chapter 10? Does its patronage seem to have anything to do with it?

4. 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?

5. What is the history of Mbwun, and why is it assumed that these killings might relate to the events surrounding this creature?

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

7. 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?

8. Why do you think people of so many disciplines are called in to examine the two skeletons found in the river?

9. 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?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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