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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. In Chapter Thirteen, what does Stephanie find in her fridge?

2. In Chapter Fourteen, what crime does Spiro beg Kenny not to commit in the funeral parlor basement?

3. On her way to take Spiro home, what does Stephanie tell her mother her part-time job is?

4. Grandma Mazur recognizes what about the caskets found at the abandoned building?

5. Why is there record attendance at Loosey's viewing?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the type of style the women in the 'Burg aspire to. Does caring about beauty and fashion make them seem oppressed?

3. What does the fact that Stephanie's mother tried to set Stephanie up with Spiro say about her mother's judgment?

4. Why does Stephanie's mother complain about Stephanie wearing Doc Marten boots?

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

6. Why does it seem as though Joyce Barnhardt has had it out for Stephanie throughout their entire life?

7. What does Stephanie learn about Morelli when Andy Roche appears in Chapter Twelve, and what does this say about Stephanie's instincts?

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

9. Why is it frightening when the Sandman is killed and his body mutilated?

10. How does Morelli help defend Grandma Mazur and Stephanie against Kenny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moral character is manipulated throughout this novel. For example, Stephanie thinks nothing of lying to the woman who broke up her marriage, as the woman thought nothing of breaking up Stephanie's marriage.

Cite five examples in the story where the rules of society are bent and seen as socially acceptable. Debate the rationale of what is "right" and "wrong" in each instance.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, guns made a significant appearance. Discuss whether guns were portrayed as good or evil, and in the end, what this might mean in terms of the author's philosophy on firearms.

Part 1) Cite and discuss where guns were portrayed positively in the story and why.

Part 2) Cite and discuss where guns were portrayed negatively in the story and why.

Part 3) Explain Stephanie's relationship to her gun. Why did she keep it in a jar? Why did she rely on her stun gun instead? Was it ironic that Stephanie used a stun gun to go save Grandma Mazur, but it was Grandma Mazur's real gun that saved the day?

Essay Topic 3

Within the novel, there were several graphic acts of violence. However, the author manipulated these opportunities for violence in such a way that the novel was not gory, but instead comical. Analyze three specific instances where violence was used and how the author managed to present a graphic concept while maintaining entertainment value.

(see the answer keys)

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