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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 had Rosalyn promised Melinda she would do until the killer was caught that Melinda assumed Rosalyn had done anyway?

2. What kind of car does Barbara Havers drive?

3. After the scuffle in Sarah Gordon's home when Lynley bursts in, who actually fires the gun?

4. During questioning by Lynley and Havers, how does Thorsson refer to Elena?

5. Where are Havers and Lynley when someone approaches them to provide an alibi for Lennart for the morning when Elena was killed?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to the professor that Lynley meets at the jazz concert, why was the professor having an affair with Elena?

2. What type of scholar was the second murder victim?

3. To get around the petty dispute of the two forensics experts at the Cambridge Constabulary, what does Lynley suggest to the Detective Inspector?

4. When Rosalyn talks to Gareth, what can Rosalyn tell about Gareth Randolph?

5. After learning that his assumption about the father of Elena's baby is incorrect, what is Anthony Weaver's response?

6. After taking Gareth Randolph's possessions to the police station, Lynley returns to the Weaver home. Why does Glyn believe Lynley is at the Weaver home?

7. How does Lynley figure that Sarah Gordon got into Cambridge unseen when she killed Elena Weaver?

8. Describe the second murder victim found in the story.

9. In her house, why does Sarah tell Anthony Weaver that she killed Elena?

10. When questioned by Lynley and Havers about the night before Elena died, what does Lennart Thorsson admit to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, the novel is a series of contrasts designed to heighten the reader's awareness and draw the reader deeper into the story and the intricacies of each of the story's characters. Identify at least three contrasts that are used in the novel. Describe these contrasts and determine how they impact the story's plot as well as the reader's emotional involvement in the characters' lives. If these identified contrasts were not included in the story, what impact would their absence have on the storyline, the characters' development, and the readers' involvement?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of loyalty is evident throughout the novel. Adam Jenn's loyalties, for instance, lie with himself, his professor, and Elena. Discuss how the theme of loyalty is portrayed through the eyes of Adam Jenn, Anthony Weaver, Sarah Gordon, and Barbara Havers.

Essay Topic 3

George uses this story to examine the role that truth plays in our daily lives. Examine the author's beliefs through her storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when the truth is distorted or hidden? What did you learn from the author's discussion on truth? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express her beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story?

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This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample