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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 long had Maynard held the position?

2. What is Mrs. Backman's first name?

3. What did the man have in his possession that caused the murder?

4. How many years had Backman spent in prison?

5. What was the first name of the woman approached by Marco?

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 does Backman do shortly after arriving in Treviso?

4. Who is Duke Mongo? Why is his pardon such a huge controversy?

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

6. How is the Critz situation handled?

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

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

9. Discuss the meeting between Sandberg and Pratt. Who are Sandberg and Pratt?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The government chooses to send Backman to Treviso as part of the deal. Why Treviso? Why Italy? What are Backman's thoughts? What are Backman's preferred locations? What must Backman do to prepare for the trip? Why does Backman have to learn to speak Italian? Wouldn't it be easier to go to an English speaking region or country? Describe in detail Backman's safe houses in Italy and how he is able to adapt to the surroundings. Also discuss Backman's struggles to learn the language and Luigi's efforts to help Backman acclimate to the new environment.

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

Foreshadowing is used in several parts of the story, including Neal's interaction with his father and the plans orchestrated by Teddy Maynard. Choose at least three examples of foreshadowing and explain each. Why does Grisham choose to use this method? Is foreshadowing a typical part of this type of story? Explain. Also create a new way in which foreshadowing could be used in this story or one similar to it.

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