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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 does Bill feel when he sees Darlene cuddling Gretchen like an infant?

2. How does Ronny Lawton feel about his brother?

3. What type of sandwich does Sam like to cook in his toaster oven?

4. Why does Ronny Lawton have scars on his pecs?

5. What type of home does Bill live in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bill's mother.

2. Describe the final few hours of Bill's father's life.

3. Who does Darlene consider to be her "children" since she has none of her own?

4. How does Pete react when Bill presents him with the possible murder weapon? Why?

5. Describe the process Ronny Lawton went through to report his father missing.

6. Describe what Ronny Lawton's bedroom looks like.

7. What are some of the questions Ronny's estranged wife asks Bill when she calls him in chapter 10?

8. Describe the insane scene at Denny's with the teenagers and Ronny.

9. How does Ronny Lawton's estranged wife know Darlene?

10. Describe one of the ways Bill's grandfather used to make money off of ice.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sam meets an end that is both tragic and pitiful. He never gets to live the retired life he dreamed of. His death occurs suddenly and without provocation.

Write an essay explaining why Sam chose to die as he did. What events in the book foreshadow his death? What actions were taken by Sam that might have seemed suspicious? Did Bill and Ed see Sam as someone who was suicidal? Reference the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

In the beginning of the story Bill reflects upon how the town has changed over time. He thinks that the morality of society along with the economy has suffered.

Write an essay that addresses Bill's view of these changes. What things does Bill think have suffered in the town? What major changes did the town go through and why? Were the people who live in the town impacted? Be sure to state whether Bill's opinions are too lenient, too harsh, or something else. Reference the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Failing to get into law school had a great impact on Bill's life after college. He feels that he has failed in some aspect of his life because of this.

Write an essay that explains his motives behind studying for the LSAT test again. How does he use studying as an excuse to escape the real life responsibilities he has? By the end of the story does studying for the LSAT test have any result that impacts his life? Reference the novel to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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