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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. Who is approached about the whereabouts of Backman?

2. What is the name of a small Italian restaurant?

3. Who approaches Joel with the paperwork on his new identity?

4. At which airport does this occur?

5. What new item does Marco buy unbeknownst to his handlers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the situation with Critz in London? Who approaches Critz with an offer?

2. Why is there tension between Backman and Ermanno? What is Backman's demand?

3. At this point in the story what is the general structure of Backman's average day? What things does he do daily?

4. What is Joel Backman's family situation?

5. What is Pratt's recollection of the Backman case? Who was involved? What was the main subject of the case?

6. Discuss the meeting between Backman and Rudolph. Why does Backman trust Rudolph?

7. How does Luigi propose Backman deal with the language barrier? What will Backman tell the locals about his lack of knowledge about the language?

8. Explain Backman's opinion of the first day in Bologna. What does he do?

9. Discuss Mrs. Critz's doubts about her husband's death. Does she know how and why her husband died? Does she tell anyone about her suspicions?

10. What are Maynard's proposed plans for Backman? What has been done so far?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a final report on the Backman case. The report should be at least 1000 words. You may choose one of the following as a source for the report: Luigi, CIA, NSA, or the FBI. Include the existence and importance of Neptune and JAM, predictions about the usage of the products, Backman's involvement, government actions and involvement, plus the presence of other entities such as Mossad.

Essay Topic 2

Backman decides the right thing to do is to turn JAM over to the Pentagon. Discuss Backman's decision. Why did Backman make the choice? Was it the right choice? Was Backman concerned about national security or did he have a bout with his conscience? Does Backman get paid for the program? Does Backman turn everything over or does he hold something back? Explain. What do you think the Pentagon intends to do with JAM? Do you think Backman is safe now? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write a short story from the point of view of Joel Backman 5 years from now. Where do you think Backman will be? Will he remain in Italy? Will he return to the US as promised? Will Backman ever start up the lobbying firm? Also examine Backman's future family relationships and interaction with Francesca.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,012 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample