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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 did Carl's lawyer write to for help breaking the diary code?

2. In which month does the story begin?

3. Why is Virgil so convinced that Carl did not kill Crystal?

4. What does Carl demand from Joe if he wants him to tell his story?

5. How does Joe feel after telling his secret to Carl?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of Carl's "dying declaration"?

2. Why does Jeremy look to the corners of the room when Joe is talking to him?

3. Virgil accuses Joe of using Carl. Is this true?

4. Why does Crystal refer to Carl as "Creepy Carl" in her diary?

5. What crime was Carl Iverson convicted of committing?

6. What do we learn about Joe's temperment when he confronts Larry and his mother?

7. How does Joe end up interviewing Carl Iverson?

8. What illness does Carl Iverson have? Is he recieveing treatment?

9. Why does Joe Talbert visit Hillview Manor at the beginning of the book?

10. How did Carl save Virgil's life in Vietnam?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Carl Iverson and Joe Talbert assume quite a bit about each other when they first meet. What are some of the assumptions and judgements they make about one another? How does Joe feel about Carl in the beginning? How does Carl feel about Joe? What might make them change their minds about each other?

Essay Topic 2

Carl makes one more confession in Chapter 31. What does he confess to Joe and how does Joe feel about the confession? In Chapter 6 Carl tells Joe that there is a difference between killing and murdering, then says, "I've done both. I've killed . . . and I've murdered" (44). Explain his comment in light of Carl's final confession.

Essay Topic 3

Joe Talbert's autistic brother, Jeremy, is a big part of Joe's life and represents a core conflict for Joe's character. How does his autism affect Joe and their mother? Does Joe view his brother as a blessing, a burden, both, or neither? How do you know this?

(see the answer keys)

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