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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 much money was missing from Clu's bank account?

2. Why is Esperanza refusing to tell Myron about the case?

3. What happens to Billy Lee's mother while they are talking?

4. What does Billy's mother ask Myron?

5. What do Big Cyndi and Myron decide to do that night?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Myron tell Esperanza when he next sees her? Why do you think he said it?

2. What happened when Myron found a brown envelope in his office? What do you think the message was?

3. What does Jessica tell Myron about Clu? Do you think Myron being in danger had anything to do with Clu's death?

4. What does Billy Lee's mother tell Myron? Do you think it was right for her to blame Myron for not helping Billy Lee?

5. What kind of history does Myron have with the Aches and what kind of business men are the two?

6. Explain why you think Hester is an example of a strong, smart, and powerful woman.

7. Why do the police think Esperanza has killed Clu?

8. Of what does Sophie accuse Myron and do you think she had the right to do so?

9. What do you think Myron and Esperanza's relationship is like and how do you think Myron feels about it?

10. What happened about the hearing for bail for Esperanza? Do you think the judge was fair?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The media plays a role in several of the characters' lives and in muddying the waters so that it is more difficult to sort out the facts of the case. Discuss the following:

1. How does the media come to play in the car accident that Clu and Billy Lee have when they are younger?

2. How does the media come to play in Esperanza's situation?

3. Do you think the media have some responsibility in why Clu commits suicide? Why or why not?

4. How do you think the media will treat the vindication and release of Esperanza?

Essay Topic 2

The murder victim, Clu Haid, was a gifted athlete, but led a life of debauchery that leads to his premature death. Discuss the following:

1. Describe and analyze the character of Clu Haid.

2. How could Clu have done things differently and perhaps still be alive?

3. Do you believe Clu is a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

4. Who else in the story led a similar life to Clu and what happens to that person?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is the criteria for a successful novel? For a successful mystery novel?

2. Is this book successful as a mystery novel? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think mystery novels are popular?

4. When you choose to read a book, what genre do you select? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,311 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample