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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 exhibition was opening at the Museum eighteen months before the current murders took place?

2. What is the name of the curator for the New York Museum of Natural History?

3. What does "DISH" stand for in the discussion between Frock, D'Agosta, and Brambell?

4. Who is Hayward's boss?

5. What title does the disembodied voice in the tunnel give Smithback?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Police work seems to involve a lot of political jostling and brown-nosing. How is that concept illustrated in Chapter 11?

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 seems to be the reason that the unknown character in Chapter 8 holds the Ceremony?

5. What does Pendergast reveal about Hayward? How does Hayward feel about this revelation? How does D'Agosta feel about this revelation?

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

7. 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?

8. What are the repercussions of the $100,000 reward posted by Bill Smithback and the Post?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Here there be monsters." Given the context of this statement, humans feared the unknown and unknowable since the beginning of time. Other than the obvious, how does this quote apply to this book. Look beyond the Wrinklers and cite examples from the text to support your explanation.

Essay Topic 2

The author incorporates extensive use of similes and metaphors to "illustrate" this novel. For example, he states that, "The Reservoir itself was a sheet of beaten gold in the sunset." Can you think of any other examples cited in the text? What does the use of similes and metaphors add to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Hayward is an interesting character, a woman of strength, confidence and utter self-assurance. Margo is strong, but in different ways with different approaches to problem solving. Compare/contrast Margo and Hayward, particularly their strengths and weaknesses. What does each character contribute to the storyline?

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