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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 do the couples in the beginning of the book talk about at dinner?

2. What is stressing Gus out other than the recurring dream?

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

4. How does Emily die?

5. Who is escorted out of the courtroom after having an outburst?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does the euthanasia of the dog affect Chris?

4. Why is Melanie unable to take part in funeral preparations?

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

6. How do the Golds and Hartes contrast?

7. What makes Chris appear to be innocent?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Memories have just as important a role in this novel as dreams do. What memories does Emily recover, and how? Why did she repress that memory anyway? Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Suicide serves as the most prominent plot point of the novel. What risk factors for suicide did Emily have? Why did she feel that suicide was her only option? How does her suicide influence different characters? Make sure you answer each question and provide evidence from the novel to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Grief is a theme that is seen in all characters in "The Pact." Melanie and Michael grieve the loss of their daughter in starkly different ways, as do James and Gus. Describe the different stages of grief and which characters experience what stage. How does Melanie handle her grief in contrast with her husband? Make sure you answer each question thoroughly and use evidence from the book for support.

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This section contains 665 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample