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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. Why is the decision made to back Willie?

2. How does Jack come in contact with Cass Mastern?

3. Who is the woman who works for Willie?

4. Why is Willie's wife, Lucy, leaving Willie?

5. How does Jack confirm Willie's affair?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's purpose for beginning the novel in the way he does?

2. How does Jack come to learn about the Mastern family?

3. How does Willie's standard manipulative behavior exhibit in Chapter 8?

4. How do Willie's problem-solving tactics emerge after his son, Tom, has a car accident?

5. Why is the move to hire Adam Stanton as the administrator of Willie's new hospital so out of character for Willie?

6. What does Jack's father mean when he shouts "Foulness" when Jack mentions Judge Irwin's name?

7. What does Jack discover when he digs into the school construction story?

8. Jack takes an abrupt, unannounced trip to California after learning of Anne's affair with Willie. What consumes Jack's thoughts as he drives cross-country?

9. What does the new hospital symbolize for Willie?

10. What conflicting information about Judge Irwin's financial history?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is the character with the most moral fiber in the story? Do you think there is one character who will not be manipulated or used in some way for personal gain? Is there one character, besides Willy, who will stoop to almost anything to get what he/she wants no matter what the personal cost?

Essay Topic 2

The author inserts a surprising story in as Chapter 4 regarding the Mastern family. What lessons is the author trying to teach in this chapter? Is it the evil of slavery? The sins of marital infidelity? The burden of guilt and remorse? Explain your position.

Essay Topic 3

Do you think Jack was surprised to learn about Judge Irwin's acceptance of the bribe related to the utilities company case? For some reason, Jack has an instinct that Judge Irwin's vulnerability is related to money. Why? Is it sad or practical that Jack can learn about the judge's flaw and accept it? Explain why Jack feels the need to research the judge in the first place.

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