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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 a "specchio?"

2. What is Joel's new surname?

3. What language did Teddy learn when he was 60?

4. What is Joel's former occupation?

5. Which drug was found in the man's system?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Teddy Maynard? Why is he an important figure in the story? What is Maynard's relationship with the President?

2. Why is the CIA worried that Backman might attempt to contact his family? What precautions are taken in case Backman should try to get in contact with someone?

3. What is Pratt's recollection of the Backman case? Who was involved? What was the main subject of the case?

4. Where does the government send Backman? Who is Backman's "handler?"

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

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

7. What does Backman do on his second day in Bologna? Who does he meet?

8. The FBI learns about a bank account in Grand Cayman that is most likely connected to Joel Backman. Discuss the discovery and the FBI's request of Teddy Maynard.

9. Why does Maynard want Morgan to pardon Joel Backman? Who is Joel Backman?

10. It is never clear to Backman who Luigi is or who he works for in the US. Who does Luigi work for and to whom does he report?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a short story from the point of view of Joel Backman 5 years from now. Where do you think Backman will be? Will he remain in Italy? Will he return to the US as promised? Will Backman ever start up the lobbying firm? Also examine Backman's future family relationships and interaction with Francesca.

Essay Topic 2

From the time Backman landed in Italy he seemed to be formulating a plan to get away from Luigi, the military and other agencies. Discuss Backman's plan to go on the run. Is it a smart move to try to get away? What are Backman's obstacles? Can those obstacles be overcome? Backman is not aware of the level of surveillance he is under and would perhaps make another decision if he knew. Examine what Backman did and did not know about the surveillance, Luigi, the other American agencies, and the involvement of the foreign factions, including the Tin Man. If Backman does get away, where will he go? How will he get there? What will he use for money? Who might be willing to help Backman execute the plan? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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