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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 the waiter bring to Margo and Smithback along with their drinks in Chapter 15?

2. Which character had a crush on Smithback?

3. What is Snow preparing to do at the opening of Chapter 1?

4. What business with Mephisto does Pendergast tell the squatters he has?

5. What is the working theory about the second skeleton found in the waterway?

Short Essay Questions

1. How might Margo's expertise in ethnopharmacology be an example of foreshadowing?

2. What purpose might an evolutionary biologist and a biologist whose specialty is genetics serve to the police in this story?

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

4. What is the basic precept of Frock's theory of fractal evolution? How would it apply to the events taking place in the story?

5. What kind of influence do you think a woman like Mrs. Wisher would likely have on the political climate? Does she show that she is willing to use that influence to force matters in the direction she wants them to go? What gives you that indication?

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

7. 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?

8. In Chapter 8, an unknown person develops extra sensitive senses, apparently by ingesting some unknown drug. What do you think is the purpose of this character's in-depth description and failing to tell the reader who he is?

9. Why is there so much excitement surrounding the second skeleton found in the polluted Cloaca?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a dichotomy illustrated in Anette Wisher's efforts to solve the murder of her child and Mephisto's efforts to solve the murders of his "children." Compare/contrast their methods, outlining what seems to be working and what doesn't seem to be working. Can you see the similarities in their methods? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Margo went through a terrifying experience only eighteen months before this newest horror comes to light. The book gives the reader some insight into Margo before and after the Museum Beast experience. How has Margo changed, both physically and mentally?

Essay Topic 3

The New York Museum of Natural History is a stunning backdrop to not one, but two, horrifying stories. While "Reliquary" isn't as dependent on the Museum as its main setting as it was in "Relic," it exudes a frightening air, which only enhances the atmosphere of the book. What is it about the Museum, which makes it a frightening place, and why is it used so frequently?

(see the answer keys)

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