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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. Whose briefcase does Jennifer's ex-husband give Scarpetta?

2. What is Grueman's demeanor during his meeting with Scarpetta after she met with the bird expert?

3. What warning does Marino give Scarpetta about the evidence against her?

4. What does Marino want Scarpetta to prove to him?

5. Who does Hilton Sullivan first present himself to be?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Scarpetta explain away the incriminating evidence found in Susan's home?

3. Why is Benton concerned for Scarpetta's safety?

4. Why is Scarpetta relieved of her duties?

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

6. What does Grueman confess about why he was so hard on Scarpetta in law school?

7. What causes Benton and Scarpetta to wonder if Eddie Heath's and Robyn's murders are related?

8. What question does Grueman have about Scarpetta's finances?

9. Once Lucy discovers someone has tapped into AFIS, what is Benton's theory about Waddell's fingerprints?

10. What causes the governor to resign?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Given what you know about Scarpetta's character, address why she is so hesitant to discuss the money she took out of her account to help the Hales. Make sure to discuss at least 3 specific events or decisions in the novel that help develop the reader's awareness of Scarpetta's personality that lead her to not be open about her offer to the Hales.

Essay Topic 2

Some fans of the Scarpetta series have been disappointed in later books in the series. They believe that Cornwell has drifted away from what makes Scarpetta so appealing in the first place. Discuss the 3 most appealing aspects of Scarpetta's character. How does Cornwell convey those characteristics to the audience so that the reader is drawn into the book/series?

Essay Topic 3

How does the information about Scarpetta's relationship with Mark contribute to her character? Provide at least 3 specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 832 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample