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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 James learn at work soon after he hires a lawyer for Chris?

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

3. How does Emily die?

4. What does Chris insist on doing once he is home from the hospital?

5. Why does Melanie tell Gus certain things after Emily's death?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Melanie react to Chris' arrest?

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

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

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

8. What makes Chris appear to be innocent?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The characters in this novel each have varying occupations that seem to reflect their personalities. Describe the occupations each character has and how it reflects their character traits. Make sure you discuss at least three characters' occupations and how it reflects their traits, and support your answer with evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Novels usually show a transformation in characters through a series of trials and events. In "The Pact," almost every character is changed by the events they experience. How are characters transformed by the events that transpire, and is it a good or bad change? Why or why not? Choose two characters to focus on when answering that question. Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

The relationships between parent and child in this novel are strong, especially between Gus and Chris. How does Gus protect her son? How would you describe her relationship with her son in comparison with James relationship with his son? Make sure you answer each question with evidence from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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