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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 can't Nicole take her car to go see Gary at the prison?

2. Who is the nighttime guard that Gibbs and Gary start to play with?

3. Whose albums did Gary and Bessie listen to during some of their happier times together?

4. How much does Gary make per hour when he is working in Vern's shop?

5. What is the name of Nicole's first husband, who she meets after escaping from the nuthouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Nicole's other lovers become a bit unnerved by her and by her situation?

2. What is the evidence the prosecution has in the case against Gary?

3. What are some of the things Gary thinks are interesting, revealing that he hasn't been in a bar in a long time?

4. What does Peter see that causes him to talk to Ida about his findings?

5. Why does Gary contact Brenda as he comes to the end of his jail term in Oregon?

6. Who will Gary live with after he gets out of prison?

7. What do people have to say about Gary's talents as an artist?

8. What happens when Gary and Nicole try to consummate their new relationship?

9. Why is Nicole taken off of Gary's visiting list at the prison, although she is eventually reinstated?

10. Why does Grace McGinnis eventually sever ties with Bessie and her clan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of the death penalty is an obvious point of discussion in this story and continues to be a point of discussion in society as a whole.

Part 1: What are the reasons that Gary's actions deserve the death penalty?

Part 2: What are the reasons against Gary deserving the death penalty

Part 3: Do you think Gary deserves to die? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

During this story, it seem that Gary has two different versions of reality - that which is true and that which he imagines in his head.

Part 1: In what ways is Gary's perception of reality false? Cite specific examples.

Part 2: In what ways does Gary seem to be grounded in reality? Cite specific examples.

Part 3: What does Gary's constant fantasies seem to say about his mental state?

Essay Topic 3

As Gary begins to sell his story, it seems that truth is not the most important part of the deal. The buyers simply want to tell the sensational story.

Part 1: Why wouldn't truth be an important part of telling Gary's story?

Part 2: Why weren't the families of his victims contacted?

Part 3: Why does Gary want a portion of the proceeds from his publicity to go to the families of his victims?

(see the answer keys)

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