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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 three individuals were aware of what would likely take place, so the double murder does not surprise them?

2. How is Ford County Sheriff viewed by the local citizenry?

3. How do the members of the council of black ministers arrive for strategic planning regarding the NAACP defense of Carl Lee?

4. Ollie Agee, the Hailey's pastor, convenes the Council of Ministers, a board of the local black ministry, which decides to do what?

5. Where is Carl Lee seated during the change of venue hearing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a significant plot development in Chapter 5?

2. What are the positions taken by Jake and Carla when he suggests he will contact Lester, Carl Lee's brother, after the latter fires him?

3. Why does the name of Clyde Sisco cause some stir during Jake's jury strategy team session in Chapter 29?

4. How does K.T. "Cat" Bruster's view of truth and justice compare with Carl Lee's?

5. Why does a convoy of buses enter Clanton?

6. How does Jake skillfully manipulate the media immediately following Carl Lee's arraignment?

7. How does John Grisham depict the events taking place in Clanton as carnival-like?

8. What observations on the part of Jake's secretary irritate him to the point he advises her to keep quiet or quit?

9. Why does John Grisham open his story with such horrific detail of the crime?

10. What does the reader learn about the Ford County District Attorney in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John Grisham is noted for his mastering the writing style with roller coaster peaks and valleys between and within chapters. He also includes sudden twists and turns with brief, intermittent recoveries. Examine how his style in "A Time to Kill," and include examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

One theme that runs through "A Time to Kill" is deciding between the paths of right and wrong where risks are involved due to influence or threat of the KKK. Examine and compare how it is approached by Judge Noose, jury member Barry Acker, and Jake Brigance.

Essay Topic 3

Once the Ku Klux Klan identifies and kills "Mickey Mouse," they no longer have to worry about being "snitched" on. They now are free to roam and wreak havoc without being reported on. Yet there are signs the KKK plans to permanently leave the county. What are these signs? Why do they not stay when they no longer have a "snitch" amongst the KKK brethren? Are there differences between Ford County from Nettles County that are possibly prompting their departure?

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