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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. The newest of the informants is located in which city?

2. The bribe money is moved to ______, the first of two locations.

3. The letter asks for money as well as a device that can be used for which of the following?

4. How many years earlier had that death taken place?

5. What type of building is located in the Piazza del Duomo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Backman's plan after he leaves Milan?

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

3. At this point in the story what is Backman's biggest obstacle to going out on his own?

4. What happens when Neal receives the letter from his father? What does Neal do next? What does Lisa think of the plan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss Clayburn's role in the story. Who is Clayburn? Why is he affiliated with the story? Is he still an active part of the Washington scene? How does Backman know Clayburn? Are the men friends, colleagues or something else? Why does Backman want to get in touch with Clayburn? How is Pratt able to find the man? What is Clayburn's response to Pratt's request? Does Clayburn meet with Backman? What is Clayburn's affiliation with the Pentagon? Does Clayburn do as he is asked? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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