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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 does Michael wake up to find Melanie doing the day after Chris is arrested for murder?

2. What happens on the expert slope on the Christmas trip in 1993?

3. What does the autopsy report show?

4. Who helps Melanie when she goes into labor?

5. Whom do Gus and James call after the event at Chris' birthday dinner?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do Melanie and Michael react to the idea of Chris killing Emily?

3. What occupation does Melanie hold, and how does it complement her personality?

4. Why is it important for the reader to see the beginning of Gus and Melanie's friendship?

5. How does Emily and Chris' relationship begin?

6. How did Gus and Melanie bond so quickly when they first met?

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

8. What does the path of the bullet in Emily's head suggest?

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

10. What is ironic about the theory that the detective has about the tragedy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Pact," it becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving. What kind of couple do Chris and Emily appear to be to people on the outside? How does the reality of Emily and Chris' relationship hold up to appearances? What similarities and differences are there? Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book.

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

Dreams play a large role in "The Pact." They act as symbols for different characters to interpret. What dream does Gus have repeatedly, and what does it represent? How is resolved, and what does that resolution mean? Make sure you answer each question thoroughly and use evidence from the book for support.

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This section contains 666 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample