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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. At the beginning of Chapter 10, what are Lula and Connie fighting about?

2. What do Stephanie and Morelli believe the caskets found at the abandoned building were used for?

3. Where does Stephanie get phone numbers from in Spiro's apartment?

4. Where does Stephanie move to after Grandma Mazur is attacked?

5. At Stephanie's Stiva stake-out, what does Kenny ram her vehicle with?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Morelli's past with Stephanie suggest a greater opportunity for a future?

2. In Chapter Eleven, what action does Stephanie take that causes the religious structure of the 'Burg to be revealed?

3. When Stephanie agrees to guard Spiro, it seems she is simply accepting money to do something she finds distasteful. Is this the reason?

4. How does Stephanie physically describe the women in her family and how does this match up with their character?

5. Mrs. Plum is suddenly on Stephanie's side and wants her to succeed at capturing Kenny. Why?

6. Grandma Mazur buys clothing similar to Stephanie in Chapter Thirteen. Why do you feel she does this?

7. Why is it ironic that all of the women at the beauty parlor carry guns yet Stephanie does not?

8. Why does Stephanie once again snap back to business with Morelli, in spite of the kiss they shared?

9. What do Stephanie and Lula have in common?

10. In Chapter Thirteen, Stephanie uses Grandma Mazur as a weapon against Vinnie. How does Grandma Mazur use her power over Vinnie to keep Stephanie employed, and what does this say about the power structure in the 'Burg?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There were several criminals involved in the many crimes committed throughout the novel: Kenny, the Sandman, Spiro and Moogey. Choose one of these criminals and analyze the different factors that contributed to his downfall.

Essay Topic 2

Stephanie is cautious with romantic encounters due to a past heartbreak, yet Morelli seems like a strong match for her. How did her attitude towards intimacy affect her relationship with Morelli?

Part 1) Explain the many ways Stephanie has found to distance herself from a romantic relationship with Morelli.

Part 2) Pick a side. Is Stephanie right to avoid a relationship with Morelli? What does he bring to the table for her romantically? How would she benefit from opening her heart?

Part 3) If Stephanie continues to remain single, what will she gain from this lifestyle? Is her life already satisfying? Or does she need something more and why?

Essay Topic 3

The 'Burg was practically a character in the novel itself. This community had a life of its own and beliefs of its own that shaped the characters and the outcome of the story.

Part 1) Describe the 'Burg. What were its unique qualities? How did its character affect the story?

Part 2) What is the significance of the 'Burg in this novel? Could the same story be as believable without the 'Burg as a location?

Part 3) If you were to offer up a different setting for the story, what would be a location option as strong as this one and why?

(see the answer keys)

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