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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 is the name of the hairstyle Horn is known for?

2. What kind of adviser does Horn hire for himself?

3. Who threatens Horn when he's on television?

4. What does Ochs believe his article about the murder of Horn will do to the Quinns?

5. What is Berryman's father's profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ochs's writing career for the newspaper in Part 4.

2. Describe the role of Horn's adviser during Horn's political campaign.

3. What happens at the country club that gives readers a stronger understanding of the plot to kill Horn?

4. Explain the meeting that takes place when Berryman takes Oona to New York City.

5. When Ochs returns to Nashville in Part 4, who is being investigated and what is the importance of the investigation?

6. Who is Oona Quinn?

7. How does Ochs describe Jimmie Lee Horn?

8. So far in the story, what things has Berryman done that could label him as someone who does not care about his own safety?

9. In what way does Berryman show a lack of friendship toward Ben?

10. Describe the meeting between Berryman and Johnboy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story involves the friendship and business relationship of Ben Toy and Thomas Berryman. The two are the most prominent characters in the story due to their roles in the murder of Jimmie Lee Horn. Describe the relationship between Ben Toy and Thomas Berryman. When did they meet? How did the two get entangled in the plot to kill Horn? Why did Ben disappear without telling Berryman where he was in order to keep a safe distance between them?

Essay Topic 2

When the story ends, Joe Cubbah is the only one who is able to finish his assignment. What does Cubbah's ability to do his job show about his personality? What characters are not able to finish their assignment? Explain your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 3

Ochs finds out from his bosses that he is being sent to Long Island to visit the William Pound Institution. Ben Toy, a patient at the mental institute, says he has information about the murder of Jimmie Lee Horn. When Ochs finds out he is being sent to interview Ben, he believes the trip to Long Island will lead to a dead end. Why might Ochs think this? Does the fact that Ben is in a mental institution have anything to do with Ochs's opinion? Are there any other occurrences in the book that show Ben as someone who is not taken seriously, due to his mental issues?

(see the answer keys)

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