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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 type of program do they have for the elderly at the retirement home Sam is contemplating in chapter 9?

2. What demand does Ronny Lawton make of his manager?

3. What is the name of the brand of cigarettes Pete is smoking in chapter 2?

4. How long is Paul?

5. How does Bill like his coffee?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. List three of the four big newspapers that pick up the Ronny Lawton story.

3. List the reasons why Ronny Lawton does not want to lose what he has in life at this moment.

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

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

6. Why is Bill always leaving messages on his girlfriend's machine?

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

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

9. How does Ronny react when Bill shows up and plays music at his work?

10. List some of the features offered at the Florida retirement community Sam contemplates in chapter 9.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The gardening shears play an important role in the psychological part of the story. The idea of their presence haunts Bill continuously after he buries them in his backyard.

Write an essay that explores the ideas of paranoia and psychological insecurity. What is Bill constantly afraid of when it comes to the shears? Who knows about them and what could happen if they are found? Do the shears have any impact on the conclusion of the story? Reference the novel to support your point.

Essay Topic 2

Bill lets himself be taken hostage by Ronny Lawton. He does not struggle or try to escape when tied up. He even goes as far as to warn Ronny about the poisoned food the FBI gives him.

Write an essay explaining why Bill helps Ronny even though he is being held hostage by him. What are the reasons behind his actions? How does he feel about the situation as a whole? Is he angry, sad, annoyed, or something else? Reference the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Darlene is a character that we learn about mostly through other characters. She is portrayed as both confidant and possible villain.

Write an essay exploring what Darlene's true personality is. Is she someone to be trusted? Why or why not? What actions does she take that make her seem one way or another? How does her character impact events throughout the book? Use examples from the novel to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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