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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. How many days is it before Christmas?

2. In what room is Sandy imprisoned?

3. Stadic learns the whereabouts of LaChaise due to information supplied by which person?

4. Who else has left town at this point?

5. What weapon is used in the robbery?

Short Essay Questions

1. Davenport receives a break when an informant tips him off to LaChaise's plan. Discuss the informant, the information, and how it is obtained.

2. What is the plan for the next morning? Who is most eager to get the plan underway?

3. What happens at Franklin's house? Who is responsible? What is the outcome of the incident?

4. Describe the scene in Weather's office after Davenport arrives.

5. What comes of Sandy's attempts to be rescued?

6. What does LaChaise plan to do after receiving the phone call from Stadic? Where does the trio go?

7. Davenport and fellow officers go to Arne Palin's house. What happens with Palin? What is Davenport's opinion? What is the outcome of the visit?

8. Where do LaChaise and Martin go upon their return to Minneapolis? What happens to Sandy?

9. What is Davenport doing when he receives a phone call about LaChaise? Where is LaChaise supposed to be and why?

10. What happens to Weather during and after the killing of LaChaise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is an important part of a mystery, often giving clues to the reader and the story's detective. What are the ways in which Sandford uses symbolism in his stories? Give examples of blatant symbolism and more subtle symbolism. Compare and contrast the symbolism used in Sanford's mysteries and the mysteries written by another famous author.

Essay Topic 2

Write a complete character description of Dick LaChaise. Include his personal and professional lives, relationship to his family, and mental illness. Also discuss the formulation of LaChaise's plan to get revenge on the members of the cops' families.

Essay Topic 3

Write your own murder mystery based on "Sudden Prey." Use Davenport as the lead character. Supply complete storyboards. Include character information, plot, synopsis, etc. Explain your inspiration.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 714 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample