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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 is Catherine Martin's mantra while she is in the pit?

2. What does Dr. Lecter say in his note to Dr. Chilton?

3. Where does Clarice confront Jack Crawford about staying on the case?

4. Who is John Grant?

5. Whom does Senator Martin choose to head up the investigation in Chapter 32?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dr. Lecter avoid suspicion after his escape?

2. Do you think Clarice's obsession with Buffalo Bill's victims is beneficial or harmful. Why?

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

4. Do the Memphis guards underestimate Dr. Lecter? How do you know?

5. How does Dr. Lecter escape?

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

7. At what point is it apparent to Clarice that Jame Gumb is Buffalo Bill?

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

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

10. What pivotal event happens to Jack Crawford in Chapter 45, and how does he respond to this event?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas Harris' development of Dr. Lecter's character is incisive and disturbing. Do you think this story is more about Dr. Lecter than Buffalo Bill, or do you think there is a tandem development of the two? Which killer seems more frightening: Dr. Lecter with his impressive intelligence and almost unparalleled ability to manipulate, or Buffalo Bill's seemingly primal drive to have the perfect woman suit?

Essay Topic 2

Jack Crawford's wife, Bella, is dying. He is consumed with guilt about her illness and his inability to be with her at all times. How does Crawford manifest this guilt in his work? Do you think his pursuit of Buffalo Bill is intensified because of this guilt? Explain why or why not, using references from the book to support your choice.

Essay Topic 3

Foreshadowing is used several times throughout the novel. Where do you see foreshadowing being used? What events are being foreshadowed? Why do you think Thomas Harris chose these events to foreshadow? Is the technique effective? How?

(see the answer keys)

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