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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. Towards the end of Chapter 7, Skink gives Max a long shock. What makes him so angry at Max?

2. What happens to the rope on the bridge at the end of Chapter 2?

3. Why does Bonnie Lamb call Peter Archibald?

4. How does Tony prove Edie is not paralyzed?

5. How does Snapper get his nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the author being satirical in the characterization of Tony Torres?

2. Though shown as a kidnapper and torturer, Skink appears to be an ethical man. How so?

3. What misconceptions is Max beginning to believe about Skink in Chapter 6?

4. How has Skink become even more frightening as a character in Chapter 9?

5. Though Ira Jackson has every right to be angry over the death of his mother, he is no saint himself and perhaps should not be judging Tony so harshly. What indicators has the author given the reader to show that Jackson is not an upstanding character?

6. Even though the author introduces new characters, he continues to tie in the ones that the reader has already met. How are the characters intertwining in Chapter 3?

7. How does Edie and Snapper's plan surprise the reader now that it is revealed in their conversation with Tony in Chapter 4?

8. Why and how does Bonnie question her choice of a husband?

9. In what way have common household items become weapons of violence?

10. How is the relationship between Augustine and Bonnie progressing after Max has been gone for a couple of days?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is Skink both lovable and hateful to the reader? Can the reader resolve this issue within himself? Why or why not? Does this make him a round, dynamic character? Does Skink change throughout the novel or does he stay true to himself?

Essay Topic 2

How are the laws of the land ignored during this time of crisis not only by the criminals but by the authorities as well?

Essay Topic 3

Is the epilogue necessary? Does the reader find satisfaction from having the epilogue or would the reader be better off with his own imagination?

(see the answer keys)

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