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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. How does Chris feel when he picks up Emily on their last date in November 1997?

2. What evidence does Jordan ask the judge to throw out?

3. Where does Chris get the gun?

4. What happens when Gus tries to talk to Melanie?

5. Which of Emily's friends is called to the stand?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Selena look for a doctor to confirm Emily's pregnancy?

2. Why does Gus believe that Chris is a hero?

3. How does Gus react to James forgetting to mention Chris in an acceptance speech?

4. What kind of story has Melanie given to a reporter?

5. What does Heather say during her testimony?

6. What does Chris' decision to tell his father not to visit him again reveal?

7. Why does Chris think that Emily withheld news of her pregnancy?

8. What does Jordan stress during the summation?

9. Describe Steve and why he is in jail.

10. How does Chris react to Steve's attempt to commit suicide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Art plays a role in this novel through Emily's talented works. How does art reflect Emily's state of mind? How did Emily use art in her life? How does her art show the progression of her emotional and mental state? Make sure you answer each question, using examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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