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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 object is Helder told to take if captured during the mission?

2. What agrees to meet with Rule?

3. What kind of seafaring vessel does Helder take to his next location?

4. What body part does the father lose during the tragic incident?

5. Where will this task take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rule see in the photograph delivered by Martin?

2. What is Rule's decision regarding the collection of evidence? What is the result?

3. In Chapter one, the story begins with a Swedish fisherman and his grandson. Explain the tragic event involving the two Swedes.

4. What does the Chief Administrative Officer instruct Helder to do?

5. What creates further suspicion in Helder?

6. What agreement does Rule make with Appicella?

7. What details of the secret mission are finally revealed to Helder?

8. What is Rule's task at this time? Who is recruited to help Rule and why?

9. Explain Oskarsson's condition when he is released from the hospital. What happens next?

10. What does Helder do after waking up on the houseboat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main issue in the story is the surprise attack on the Swedes by Majorov's people. Discuss this long time issue. Why is Majorov's organization so angry with the Swedes? What issue is the biggest between the Russians and the Swedes? How does the government of each country combat this type of attack? What spurred the plan in the first place? What was the first action taken by Majorov's people? When did it occur? How does knowledge of that particular incident help Helder to understand Majorov's real plans?

Essay Topic 2

Woods is a master at using foreshadowing to hint at various key pieces of information. Use at least five examples of foreshadowing in the story and explain why each is important. How else could Woods reveal the pertinent information if he did not use the foreshadowing technique?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the relationship between Helder and Trina Ragulin. How does the couple meet? What is Trina's role at the sports complex/training facility? What is Helder's first reaction to Trina? Was Helder merely an assignment for Trina or something more? Explain how the couple becomes involved. What plans are made for the future? Do you think a relationship like Helder and Trina's could ever work? Explain. Explain how the relationship may have affected Helder's work and relationship with Majorov. Also examine Trina's relationship with Majorov. What happens to Helder and Trina in the end?

(see the answer keys)

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