View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of business does Gus run?

2. What does Chris dare Emily to do in the flashback to 1989?

3. What do James and Chris do on the Christmas trip in 1993?

4. Who is married to Melanie?

5. To where is Chris moved in November 1997?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Melanie and Michael react to the idea of Chris killing Emily?

2. How does Gus react to news of Emily's death?

3. How did Gus and Melanie bond so quickly when they first met?

4. Why is James' award not such a rewarding experience?

5. What is ironic about the theory that the detective has about the tragedy?

6. How do Emily and Chris' needs contrast?

7. What is interesting about Gus at first being upset at James for killing the dog?

8. What does Chris' reaction to the killing of the rabbit suggest?

9. Why does the detective think that suicide is a ridiculous theory in the death of Emily?

10. What makes Chris appear to be innocent?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Grief is a theme that is seen in all characters in "The Pact." Melanie and Michael grieve the loss of their daughter in starkly different ways, as do James and Gus. Describe the different stages of grief and which characters experience what stage. How does Melanie handle her grief in contrast with her husband? Make sure you answer each question thoroughly and use evidence from the book for support.

Essay Topic 2

Symbolism plays a large role in "The Pact." What symbols stand out the most in this novel, and what do they mean? Which characters are associated with those symbols? Provide support for your answers by using examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Dreams play a large role in "The Pact." They act as symbols for different characters to interpret. What dream does Gus have repeatedly, and what does it represent? How is resolved, and what does that resolution mean? Make sure you answer each question thoroughly and use evidence from the book for support.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 648 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample