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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 type of bird does Ford see in the sky that reminds him of his friend, Hollins?

2. Which of the following awards was Hollins awarded for his baseball career in high school?

3. What sport does the medical examiner who inspected Hollins's body play?

4. Which of the following facts is not true about Donald Cheng?

5. Which of the following ailments does Jethro suffer from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprise is waiting for Ford when he arrives home after having sex with Jessica for the first time?

2. What request does Rafe Hollins make to Ford when he calls him for the first time in years?

3. What reason does Hollins give Ford as to why he believes his son was kidnapped?

4. How did Hollins treat Ford when they met years earlier in South America?

5. Who is Jessica McClure?

6. At the opening of the novel, what type of party is sweeping through Sanibel?

7. What is the Sealife Corporation?

8. What package is waiting for Ford at the American Embassy the day after he leaves the Presidential Palace?

9. Why does Ford get into a fight with an out-of-state salesman?

10. How does Ford know the status of Jessica's relationship with Benny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The town of Sanibel, Florida is often overrun with tourists. First, describe the town of Sanibel and explain why tourists want to come. Then, describe Ford's relationship with the tourists. How does he treat them? Give examples of at least two specific scenes in the novel that you believe exemplify Ford's relationship with the tourists.

Essay Topic 2

The affair Ford has with Pilar is one of the turning points in his life. First, describe how Ford and Pilar met. Why was their relationship doomed from the start? Then, explain how the two supported and loved each other throughout the novel, even when they were physically apart. Finally, describe how the relationship between Pilar and Ford ends and why.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Ford juggles romantic relationships with three women: Pilar, Jessica, and Sheri. First, describe Ford's relationship with each of these three women. How did they meet? Then, explain which woman you believe is the best romantic fit for Ford and why.

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