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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. Who did Carl's lawyer write to for help breaking the diary code?

2. Which of Crystal Hagen's personal posessions is discussed in the trial files?

3. Who was Carl Iverson found guilty of murdering?

4. Who is Carl's only visitor in the nursing home besides Joe?

5. What does Joe see on Jeremy's back?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jeremy look to the corners of the room when Joe is talking to him?

2. Why does Terry Bremer call Joe when his mother does not come home?

3. What crime was Carl Iverson convicted of committing?

4. How does the short document about Carl's war service conflict with his crime?

5. How does the author describe Crystal Hagen?

6. In Chapter 4, Joe finds a photograph of Carl Iverson being taken into custody. What does he see when he looks at Carl's face in the photo?

7. What is the purpose of Carl's "dying declaration"?

8. Carl and Joe make some big assumptions about each other during their first meeting. What does Carl assume about Joe?

9. What does Mrs. Tate, the school counselor, tell Crystal on the day she is killed?

10. Why is Carl's request for a speedy trial something that his defense considered unusual?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Joe Talbert's mother always seems to be able to get Joe to do what she wants, even when he knows it will be a detriment to himself. How does Joe's mother manipulate him into doing what she wants? What does she use against him that causes him to give in to her time and again? Is Joe really a victim of his mother's behavior, or does he gain something from forgiving her for her issues?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses the five senses a lot in the book. How does Joe's sense of smell help the reader to understand his mindset? What types of smells does Joe usually notice? What do the smells symbolize to him? Why might this be important to Joe?

Essay Topic 3

At the end of Chapter 14, Joe receives a call from his mother's landlord. How does this phone call, and the situation in Chapter 15, signal that Joe will soon need to make a decision regarding his mother and brother? What do you think he will have to decide? What do you think he will choose to do?

(see the answer keys)

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