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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 does the "flying virgin" write across the New Mexican sky?

2. What does Helen say is Carl's name when she introduces herself as Brenda Williams?

3. What is on the apron worn by the woman in the kitchen?

4. What is the first class action lawsuit Carl sees in the newspaper?

5. What are among the possible causes cited in the newspaper article?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Helen say about the origin of the culling poem?

2. Describe the actions and conversation of the man with the sideburns.

3. What are some of the myths about sudden infant death that Carl says have been disproved?

4. Aside from the sudden infant death syndrome, what are the other stories Carl is supposed to be following up on?

5. How does Carl begin to make the connection about the poem and the deaths of children?

6. What is Mona working on during their car trip and why does she say it's a good hobby?

7. What is the Mirror Book and who has one on the trip?

8. How does Carl come to believe that Helen killed the Stuarts?

9. List at least four details Carl has for his first dead baby story.

10. What is Helen's response when Carl asks if she was responsible for the death of Basil Frankie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the purpose of the culling son in ancient times? In theory, would that purpose be practical? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Carl builds models then smashes them. What is the symbolism of this action? List at least one more instance in which symbolism plays a role in the book.

Essay Topic 3

At one point Carl hopes the police will arrest him so that he can pay for his crimes. What is his motivation? Is it believable? Will it accomplish what he hopes to accomplish?

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This section contains 802 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample