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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 was the first court to systematically deny the petition to halt Sam's execution?

2. What is placed in many areas of controversy, and around the prison?

3. What does the Governor have to gain through Sam's clemency?

4. Who is the state executioner?

5. What is Adam's news for Lee when they finally see each other?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the mental incompetence hearing for Sam in Jackson, and the decision.

2. Explain Sam and his relationships with family members as his execution draws closer.

3. Who is Carmen and what does she see as she visits Sam for the first time?

4. Both Lee and Adam have news for each other. What is the news they share with each other?

5. Why does Adam believe it would be a good idea to visit Marvin Kramer's family?

6. What happens to the prison warden, and how does it affect Sam's execution?

7. Where and how does Adam react, or want to react, when he sees Lee?

8. Adam meets with Mr. Olander. Who is Mr. Olander, and what is the meeting about?

9. Explain how law students are helping to execute Adam's plan set up by Garner Goodman.

10. Explain the preparations for Sam for the last two days prior to his execution.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Philip Naifeh and George Nugent are the superintendent and assistant superintendent, respectfully, of Parchman Prison. Each of these men holds a different stance toward running the prison and the execution process of death row inmates. What are the similarities and differences between these two individuals regarding how they run the prison, their organizational skills, the way they run the execution process, and the way they feel toward the execution process? Do inmates feel the same way toward these individuals? How can you tell? Give examples from the novel to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Lee was once an alcoholic, but now is not. However, Lee has recently binged. What has caused Lee to relapse into drinking again? What does she do to try to cover up the fact that she has relapsed back to drinking? Is the relapse back to drinking related to Sam, her involvement with Adam, or for no particular reason? Give specific details from the novel to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Sam Cayhall changed from his character at the beginning of the novel to a different character at the end of the novel. How does Grisham show a character transformation of Sam Cayhall from the beginning of the novel to the end? Use specific examples from the story to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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