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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. Marco tells his handlers that he wants to live in which Italian city?

2. What sport did the men often play together?

3. The money is believed to be part of a plan to purchase which of the following?

4. What color is Rudolph's beard?

5. How many people does Marco approach at the airport regarding the letter?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Luigi propose Backman deal with the language barrier? What will Backman tell the locals about his lack of knowledge about the language?

2. What does Backman do shortly after arriving in Treviso?

3. How is the Critz situation handled?

4. What is the next morning's news regarding Backman's release? What is Carl Pratt's opinion?

5. What are Maynard's proposed plans for Backman? What has been done so far?

6. Explain Backman's opinion of the first day in Bologna. What does he do?

7. Discuss the meeting between Backman and Rudolph. Why does Backman trust Rudolph?

8. Why does Backman go shopping? Why does he have to have permission from Luigi?

9. What happens when Teddy Maynard learns about Critz's activities?

10. At this point in the story what is the general structure of Backman's average day? What things does he do daily?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Francesca Ferro is in a vulnerable state when she meets Joel Backman aka Marco Lazzeri. Discuss Francesca's situation. What is Backman's complaint about Francesca? What does Backman learn from Luigi? What is the relationship between Francesca and Backman? What is Francesca's home situation? How does Francesca's mother react when Backman carries Francesca into the apartment? Why is there tension between Francesca and Giovanni? What do you think will happen with Francesca and Backman?

Essay Topic 2

Grisham examines the existence of JAM, a program designed to block transmissions to and from satellites in space. Discuss JAM. Do you think it exists? If so, where and how is it used? Who uses it? If it does not exist, how long do you think it might take to develop such a system? Technologically speaking, who is most likely to create and develop this type of program? Research the internet for information on this type of product. Write about the information found. Also discuss what Grisham's current opinion might be on this topic.

Essay Topic 3

One way in which Backman was violated was through the treatment in prison. Discuss Backman's prison experience? Why was Backman in solitary confinement? How long did that last? Where is the Rudley Federal Correction Facility? Who knows where Backman is imprisoned? What types of coercion does Teddy Maynard employ to try to get Backman to confess? Does it work? What is the state of Backman's physical and mental health? Is there any way to improve either? Explain. Also explain how Backman's treatment at Rudley is a clear violation of the man's civil rights.

(see the answer keys)

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