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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Melba Barnes call Catherine at the Gazette on Tuesday afternoon?

2. Which of Tom's last photos does Catherine choose to include in the newspaper?

3. According to Randall and the sheriff, what would give the killer the idea that Tom wasn't home?

4. Who else does Catherine find in Tom's house on the night he is killed?

5. What does Carl offer to do as Catherine is leaving the Perkins house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Just as there are main characters interacting with Catherine in the novel, there are a peppering of minor characters that play a role in the novel's development. Discuss the minor characters and their place in the development of the story. Include in your discussion the characters of Betty Eakins, Martin Barnes, Jewel Crenna, Leila Masham and Salton Sims.

Essay Topic 2

The setting of the novel, the small town of Lowfield, is in the southern state of Mississippi. What part do Southern values play in the novel? Can you find a part or parts in the novel where Catherine Linton talks about or gives specific references to things that occur in the South? How does the southern setting of the novel affect its plot, characters and character interactions? Give examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the character of Leona Gaites. Why did it seem that people had such a low opinion of her? Was that opinion warranted? What do we find out about the character of Leona Gaites over the course of the novel? What lead to her death and what effect does her death have on the novel?

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