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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. In what bar does Smithback make his phone call in Chapter 6?

2. Which character had a crush on Smithback?

3. How many people are in Linnaeus Hall for the presentation of the evidence gleaned from the Bitterman autopsy?

4. Why is Nick Bitterman going to Belveder Castle?

5. What was the conclusion made by the medical examiner after examining the teeth marks on the bones of the victims?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does the existence of an underground "clan" seem plausible? What do you think is their purpose in the story?

2. In Chapter 8, an unknown person develops extra sensitive senses, apparently by ingesting some unknown drug. What do you think is the purpose of this character's in-depth description and failing to tell the reader who he is?

3. What are the repercussions of the $100,000 reward posted by Bill Smithback and the Post?

4. Why do you think people of so many disciplines are called in to examine the two skeletons found in the river?

5. What do you think is the importance of the New York Museum of Natural History to the storyline?

6. What is the history of Mbwun, and why is it assumed that these killings might relate to the events surrounding this creature?

7. Do you think Chief Horlocker's decision to make sure that the case is given priority because a debutante is based upon social standing, given that homeless men and women have died in the same way for weeks? Why or why not?

8. Police work seems to involve a lot of political jostling and brown-nosing. How is that concept illustrated in Chapter 11?

9. Who is the homeless man who invades D'Agosta's office, and what is his reason for being there?

10. Why are the homeless referred to as "moles"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Review the symbolism involved in the hut of skulls. What does this represent to the Wrinklers? What does it represent to outsiders? What does it represent to the shaman? How does the hut play into the Wrinklers' ceremony? Cite examples from the text to support your explanation.

Essay Topic 2

Margo briefly explains the importance of ceremony in anthropological terms. The Wrinklers perform a ceremony with their shaman and their drug. What does ceremony mean to a populace? What need does it satisfy in man? Apply those theories to the ceremony performed by the Wrinklers. What is similar? What is different? What seems to be the base purpose for the Wrinklers' ceremony?

Essay Topic 3

The New York Museum of Natural History is a stunning backdrop to not one, but two, horrifying stories. While "Reliquary" isn't as dependent on the Museum as its main setting as it was in "Relic," it exudes a frightening air, which only enhances the atmosphere of the book. What is it about the Museum, which makes it a frightening place, and why is it used so frequently?

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