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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. After Hanratty is convicted, his brother is shot and killed. Who shoots Hanratty's brother?

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

3. In what year was Payton murdered?

4. Which character is friends with Penn even though he is Jewish and Penn is not?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. When the two women leave Tom's house, what has Penn decided to do for them?

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, what does Penn think is going on?

4. When Tom questioned Presley about why he only returned one gun, not two, what did Presley say?

5. According to the story Penn tells during his interview, why was Payton murdered?

6. When Penn asks his father if he ever found out the reason behind Marston's attack, what is Tom's reply?

7. 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?

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

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

10. According to Austin Mackey, why did Mackey not investigate the Payton murder himself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Leo Marston is a man who is supremely confident. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight his confidence. How is Marston helped by his utter confidence? How is Marston hurt by his confidence? Provide examples of each.

Essay Topic 2

Planning is an essential part of the story for several characters, as well as for the author to ensure that his plot moves forward. Identify instances in which Penn Cage and Leo Marston plan for their upcoming court fight. Identify instances in which each of these men fails to plan well. What is revealed about each of these characters through their ability ,or lack of ability, to plan? How is the strength of the author revealed in his ability to have his characters adequately plan? Be sure to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characteristics, roles, loyalties, and agendas of the following people in the story: Penn Cage, Leo Marston, Austin Mackey, John Portman, and Dwight Stone.

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