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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 dog is Precious?

2. What does Clarice tell Catherine Martin when she begs Clarice to get her out of the pit?

3. Dr. Lecter checks into the elegant Marcus Hotel. What is special about this hotel?

4. Describe Pembry's condition when Sergeant Tate's men reach the fifth floor.

5. Whom does Dr. Chilton claim is responsible for Dr. Lecter's escape?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Catherine Martin throw the proverbial wrench into Jame Gumb's harvest rituals?

2. How does Dr. Lecter manipulate the conversation with Senator Martin, as well as anyone else needing his assistance?

3. Do you think that Clarice overstepped her bounds by visiting Dr. Lecter without going through the proper channels?

4. Do you think Bella's death will help or hinder Jack Crawford in the Buffalo Bill investigation and why?

5. What advice does Crawford give Clarice about being a good leader?

6. Do you think that Paul Krendler helps or hinders the investigation by giving in to Senator Martin's wishes?

7. Does Clarice gain insight into the person Frederica Bimmel was by exploring her room? What conclusions about Frederica does Clarice draw from the brief time she spends at the Bimmel house?

8. Do you think that Dr. Lecter left the cipher in the toilet for Senator Martin or for Clarice?

9. What price did Clarice pay to stay on the Buffalo Bill investigation, and do you think she feels the price was too high?

10. How does the FBI get information on Jame Gumb, and where does it lead them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several symbols in the story. Identify at least three symbols used in the story. What do the symbols represent? Do the symbols mean the same thing throughout the story? How do the symbols impact the readers' understanding of the plot? How do they add substance to the character using the symbol?

Essay Topic 2

How does Catherine Martin's abduction finally bring the FBI much needed reinforcements to the search for Buffalo Bill? Do you think the case would have taken longer to solve had she not been a senator's daughter?

Essay Topic 3

Barney's character is an important, though rarely used, part of the novel. Barney seems to be the only person who can keep Dr. Lecter under control. He is also the only person who seems to earn Dr. Lecter's respect. What do you think it is about Barney that affects Dr. Lecter and causes to him behave and give Barney respect? Control is not something Dr. Lecter seems to give in to often, and when he does, he still seems to be seething under the surface. What do you think this says about Barney since Dr. Lecter seems to willingly surrender control (as much as he can) in Barney's presence.

(see the answer keys)

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