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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. Sumiko intervenes in Hatsue's life by

2. What does the red foam from Carl's mouth indicate?

3. Nels Gundersson gets Horace Whaley to admit that

4. Ishmael believes his love for Hatsue is

5. Liesel Jurgensen thought Susan Marie would be happy Carl bought the farm because

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kabuo's attorney, Nels, challenge him to a game of chess before they discuss the case?

2. Besides having to dissect dead bodies, why is Horace Whaley's job particularly difficult?

3. Describe Amity Harbor. Is it an upscale town? Does it seem inviting?

4. What was the convincing factor in Sheriff Moran's decision to get a search warrant for Kabuo's boat?

5. Why do the Japanese sit at the back of the courtroom in Amity Harbor?

6. Discuss the ironies of the war activities Ishmael was involved in when he was injured.

7. We learn that Carl Heine is a precise, organized and capable man. Can you think of a reason that the author is giving us such a detailed description of a deceased person?

8. Why does Hatsue's mother tear up the letter she has written to Ishmael's parents?

9. Although serious, this trial still has the feel of a small town affair. What are some reasons for that?

10. This chapter is full of symbolism. What is the most sensual event that Guterson describes between Hatsue and Ishmael?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Research and write an in-depth essay about the Japanese internment camps in the US during World War II. If possible, find someone to interview who has some childhood memories of the experience and interview him or her. Has the US, in your opinion, reconsidered its decision to place people in camps when their native country is at war with us? Has it reconsidered the decisions that were made back then? Is there a general consensus about the advisability of such a program? If possible, include some photos.

Essay Topic 2

In this story, Tom Peck raises blue foxes on his island farm. Is blue fox still raised today? If so, for what is it used and how? Is it endangered? Research and write about the current state of the blue fox - where they live, what they eat, their predators and if they are under the control of humans. Include a photo or other image with your report.

Essay Topic 3

If you live by the ocean, this should be an easy assignment. What are some of the disadvantages to living close to the seashore? Write a paper for someone in the Midwest who has never seen the ocean, and describe the hardships and difficulties of living on a coastline. Be convincing.

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