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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 Penn characterize the man who convinces Penn to meet with him by telling Penn that his family is in danger?

2. Who is the father of the girl Penn was involved with during high school?

3. According to the person who convinces Penn to meet with him by telling him that his family is in danger, what does this person consider Payton to be?

4. Who tells Penn that there are files in the basement?

5. What kind of gun was used to kill Hillman?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Penn sees Mackey at the fundraising party, why is Mackey angry with Penn?

2. According to Sam Jacobs, what two things drive the Marston family?

3. When Penn first confronts his father about what's bothering his father, how does Tom react?

4. When Penn first meets with the person he agrees to be interviewed by, why is Penn stunned?

5. When Presley and Tom met after Hillman had been killed, what did Tom ask Presley?

6. According to Penn's FBI contact, what reason was given for sealing Payton's case files?

7. Why does Sam Jacobs warn Penn about the Payton murder as they leave the fund-raising party?

8. Why does Penn decide to move back to his hometown?

9. When Penn calls home to tell his parents that he is moving back to his hometown, he senses something is wrong. Why does Penn not press his mother for details?

10. When Penn announces to his parents that he is moving back to his hometown, how do Penn's parents react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, the novel is a series of contrasts designed to heighten the reader's awareness and draw the reader deeper into the story and the intricacies of each of the story's characters. Identify at least three contrasts that are used in the novel. Describe these contrasts and determine how they impact the story's plot, as well as the reader's emotional involvement in the characters' lives. If these identified contrasts were not included in the story, what impact would their absence have on the storyline, the characters' development, and the readers' involvement?

Essay Topic 2

Ilse uses this story to examine the role that truth plays in our daily lives. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when the truth is distorted or hidden? What did you learn from the author's discussion on truth? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Leo Marston wears different masks in the story. Both a community leader and a behind-the-scenes manipulator, Leo is a study in contradictions. Clearly, he can be a good man, but he just chooses not to be one. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Leo Marston. How would the entire plot have been affected if Leo had not been successful at deceiving those around him? Why is it necessary for Leo to wear different masks? Explain your reasoning.

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