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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 the name of Francesca's husband?

2. The CIA wants Backman to tell them who owns the _____.

3. What item of Marco's is missing?

4. Where does Marco meet Francesca to get a good view of the city?

5. What color is Marco's new coat?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Backman manage to contact Neal now that the smartphone has been stolen? What is Backman's main concern regarding the theft?

2. Describe the scene in which Backman is approached by two FBI agents.

3. Discuss Backman's transactions at the bank. What is Backman's plan?

4. What is Backman's opinion of Francesca? What does Backman do that is against the rules?

5. What are the issues between Francesca and Giovanni? What is the current state of the relationship?

6. What is Backman's most prized possession at this point? What happens to the item?

7. Discuss the involvement of Mossad at this point in the story. Why are the Mossad dangerous?

8. Discuss Backman's tour with Francesca. What does Backman see?

9. Describe the scene on the train. What is the benefit of having the unpleasant woman in the same car?

10. Who is Susan Penn? What is her role in the story? What information does she give to the President?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Backman decides the right thing to do is to turn JAM over to the Pentagon. Discuss Backman's decision. Why did Backman make the choice? Was it the right choice? Was Backman concerned about national security or did he have a bout with his conscience? Does Backman get paid for the program? Does Backman turn everything over or does he hold something back? Explain. What do you think the Pentagon intends to do with JAM? Do you think Backman is safe now? Explain.

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

There is a major shift in the demeanor and personality of Joel Backman throughout the story. Before Backman's arrest, he was referred to as being the second most powerful man in Washington. Backman was extremely rich, cunning, and smug. In Backman's mind he was untouchable. Discuss how Backman's attitude changed drastically when he went to the Rudley Federal Correction Facility. What was the biggest change? What precipitated the change? Did Backman's personality change or was it simply a reaction to the circumstances? Also examine how Backman changed once again after he made the deal with the Pentagon.

(see the answer keys)

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