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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. Which children of the two couples are dating?

2. What does the autopsy report show?

3. Where do the Hartes and Golds meet for dinner?

4. What does everyone assume about Chris and Emily in high school?

5. How are the treatments for the dog going?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is interesting about Gus at first being upset at James for killing the dog?

2. What do you think happened in the men's room at McDonalds?

3. What makes Chris appear to be innocent?

4. What happens to Chris and Emily in November 1997?

5. How do the parents react to seeing Emily and Chris begin a relationship?

6. What makes it clear that Melanie is still grieving when she returns to work?

7. Why is James' award not such a rewarding experience?

8. What does Gus' dream of James rescuing both children show about her opinion of him?

9. What does Chris admit to bringing on his date with Emily?

10. Why does the detective think that suicide is a ridiculous theory in the death of Emily?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death may be one of the most prominent themes in the novel, as someone dies at the beginning of it. During a hunting trip, why is Chris revolted by the killing of a rabbit? What does the death of the rabbit represent? How does witnessing the death of this rabbit compare with the influence of his father euthanizing the family dog? Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Bonds form and break depending on the circumstances preceding them. In "The Pact," connections form among characters out of different circumstances or situations. How do Melanie and Gus connect? How do James and Michael connect? Describe how each of these characters' friendships progress and why. Make sure you support your answers with examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

The parent/child relationship is explored in various characters in the novel. Choose a parent/child relationship to answer these questions: What kind of relationship do these characters have with each other? What trials do they go through, and how do they end up? Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book.

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