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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. Who was accused of Elma Sands' murder?

2. To what position was John Marshall appointed by Adams?

3. Who else is attacked with Burr by French sailors?

4. What position does Burr believe he will make a successful bid for (even though he is Vice President)?

5. According to Burr's observations, how does Jefferson treat his horses?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Burr initially perceive Thomas Jefferson as an ally, and what are some of his initial observations of Jefferson?

2. Describe the role that yellow fever plays in the book.

3. What powers do the Alien and Sedition Acts give the government?

4. How does Burr persuade Jefferson to run for President with Burr as his Vice President?

5. When Mrs. Burr shows up at Burr's office, what does she tell Charlie in the carriage?

6. Describe the events surrounding the trial of Levi Weeks.

7. Describe Helen and Charlie's family situations that they share with each other when he takes her away from the brothel for an evening.

8. Describe the differences between Thomas Jefferson and Burr's interpretations of Burr's political actions.

9. According to the notes that Burr provides to Charlie and Davis, why does Burr not receive a promotion sooner or to a higher position?

10. What does Mrs. Rosanna Townsend tell Charlie when he presses for information on his visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring the role of deception in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the significance of idealism in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you evaluate the novel's own commentary on itself. What does the novel have to say about history? What about texts? How does the novel define itself?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 883 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample