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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 does no one know for sure what was stolen from Robyn Naismith's home?

2. Who relieves Scarpetta of her job?

3. Where is Scarpetta called to testify about the murders?

4. Why does Benton think Susan did not fingerprint Waddell?

5. Who technically owns Robyn Naismith's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Benton and Scarpetta find when they darken Robyn's old house?

2. Why does Jennifer's ex-husband like Scarpetta so much?

3. What does Susan's husband tell the newspapers about Scarpetta?

4. What does Scarpetta learn about the bullets used in both Eddie Heath's and Susan's cases?

5. Why does Waddell's decision to give up appealing his case surprise Scarpetta?

6. Why does Scarpetta find the request to see her guns ridiculous?

7. What does Scarpetta accuse Ben of during the confrontation in Ben's office?

8. What personal advice does Marino give Scarpetta over lunch once rumors surrounding Susan's death have hit the papers?

9. Why does Benton not believe that Waddell would be capable of the recent murders?

10. Why isn't anyone able to get fingerprints from Waddell?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe at least 4 ways that the novel is changed ,either positively or negatively, by having detailed cooking scenes with Scarpetta. Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast 2 female characters from "Cruel and Unusual" (like Lucy and Scarpetta or Susan and Scarpetta).

Essay Topic 3

Is Cornwell using "Cruel and Unusual" as a means for making a commentary on the death penalty? If so, what is her message, and what 3 literary devices does she use to convey her opinion on the issue?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample