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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. Who does Belson describe to Spenser?

2. What does Spenser want Broz to do?

3. What kind of drug does Linda have in her handbag?

4. What does Spenser ask Joe to do?

5. With shat kind of weapons do Broz's men threaten Spenser?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Joe Broz react to the news about his son's activities in this section?

2. What progress does Spenser make in the investigation at the beginning of Chapter 25?

3. Why do Hawk and Spenser think Broz won't take the situation any further?

4. How does Spenser persuade Cynthia Knox to talk to him?

5. How do Spenser and Susan differ?

6. What phone calls does Spenser make at the beginning of this section?

7. What does Spenser observe at Gerry's party?

8. What does Browne make Spenser realize about Joe Broz in Chapter 26?

9. How does Spenser show his sensitivity when dealing with Cynthia?

10. What do Spenser and Susan discuss at dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the book.

1. How does the author use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2. Discuss elements of the narrative structure - exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's themes?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of Parker's previous book and contrast it with THE WIDENING GYRE in terms of the following;

1. Style.

2. Structure.

3. Themes.

Essay Topic 3

What does Robert B. Parker say about the nature of relationships and love? How does he use the main characters and story to express his view?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 745 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample