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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 learning that Penn is going to investigate Payton's murder, what does Althea show Penn?

2. After driving around alone after Ruby's funeral, where does Penn finally end up?

3. According to what Stone tells Penn, what motivated the Payton killing?

4. How does Althea react when Penn tells her that he's going to investigate Payton's murder?

5. What is the current position held by the person Penn is stunned to see in Huntsville?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the real reason that Peter Lutjens is being transferred?

2. Why does Tom Cage at first not believe that Leo Marston would have been involved in Payton's murder?

3. When Leo Marston arrives at the Marston family home and interrupts Penn and Olivia, what does Leo tell Penn?

4. What discrepancy catches Penn's eye about the Fairlane that is sitting in Althea's garden?

5. What happened to the woman in the car when she revealed what she had seen the night of the Payton murder?

6. Why does Caitlin change her mind about publishing Penn's accusations in her paper?

7. According to Caitlin, what is the reason why Agent Stone is reluctant to speak to Penn about the Payton case?

8. When Annie is returned to Penn, there is also a note for Penn. What does the note say?

9. Where does the judge who orders the boxes removed from the Marston family home for safekeeping have the boxes taken to?

10. As Penn peeks in the window of the Marston family home, what does Penn see Leo preparing to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify the groups of people trying to prevent the truth about Payton's murder from being told. Compare and contrast these groups in terms of overall number, organization, overall motivation, ability to plan, and success achieved. How are they similar? How are they different? Does any one group actually end up succeeding? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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