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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 holiday is approaching in Chapter 17?

2. What function does Backhall serve at Valhalla?

3. In Chapter 10, with whom do Kay and Pete meet at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia?

4. Where is Cary Harper's gold medallion left?

5. What happens to Frankie's mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Sterling stay in the Harbor Court Hotel during her visits to Johns Hopkins?

2. In Chapter 16, what does Kay learn about Mark in Key West, and how does she react?

3. Where does Kay go with Pete, and what does Pete give Kay?

4. Why can Al never work as a psychologist?

5. Where does Kay find PJ?

6. Who is Al's friend at Valhalla, and what is characteristic about him?

7. What happens to Frankie after he leaves Valhalla?

8. What does Kay learn about Joseph McTigue when she makes a second visit to Mrs. McTigue?

9. How does Al Hunt commit suicide?

10. What does Kay discover about Sterling's whereabouts during the murder of her brother Cary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Key West, Kay systematically befriends PJ in order to meet her goal of finding out whether he has Kay's manuscript. Describe the actions that she takes, and compare and contrast this with the approach the police and Scott Partin use.

Essay Topic 2

Pete Marino and Kay Scarpetta are just about an unlikely investigative team as possible. Yet they work together well. What are their style similarities and differences, and why do you think they are successful as investigative teammates? Do you think Pete is in love with Kay from afar? What are your reasons for your answer?

Essay Topic 3

Several times in the story we read of Pete's homophobia. What people does he disdain because of their sexual orientation? Examine Pete's personality and background, as described in the book, and explain why you think he is homophobic. In contrast, why does Kay say more than once that people should be able to make their own decisions and live as they wish?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 647 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample