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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 memento did Smith save from his sister?

2. How many of the C;utter children were still living at home at the time of the murders?

3. Who lead the investigation into the Clutter murders?

4. Why was Hickock sure that Smith would not have any problem with committing the murder?

5. Who claimed Smith should stop blaming everyone else for his problems and accept the responsibility himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Smith say he cut Mr. Clutter's throat?

2. What did Hickock say he believed even after he admitted that the he had some wrong information about the Clutters?

3. Describe some events describing why Smith's childhood was difficult and unfortunate.

4. What did Smith say about why he killed the Clutters?

5. Since childhood, what reoccured for Smith?

6. What event happened to help Smith to feel less lonely while awaiting his trial?

7. What did Smith's premonitions say to him?

8. Why did the court assign lawyers for Smith and Hickcock?

9. Once in Florida, what was the only dream Smith felt he had left?

10. On what did the doctor blame much of Smith's mental health damage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What was the most important event in this book? Explain and justify your choice with specific details from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Describe how events in the story could be equated with the mentality of a lynch mob. Be sure to use supporting details from the text in your description.

Essay Topic 3

Capote often claimed in interviews that he had perfect recall. Write an essay on the idea of perfect recall. Do you believe it exists? Do you believe Capote had perfect recall? Why or why not.

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This section contains 610 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample