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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. When does James decide to do something about the dog?

2. How does Chris react upon killing a rabbit?

3. What do James and Chris do on the Christmas trip in 1993?

4. Why doesn't Melanie participate in the interview regarding her daughter's death?

5. What do the Golds and Hartes do for Christmas 1993?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gus react to news of Emily's death?

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

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

4. What does Chris' reaction to the killing of the rabbit suggest?

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

6. What makes Chris appear to be innocent?

7. How does Melanie react to Chris' arrest?

8. Why does Gus relent and let the detective talk to Chris?

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

10. Why does Gus try to keep the police from talking to Chris?

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

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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