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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 the current mayor of Natchez?

2. What is the name of the waitress that interrupts Penn's interview?

3. According to Sam, what rumor has he heard about Olivia?

4. Who does Penn Cage meet on the airplane as Penn is flying to his hometown?

5. How long has Penn been away from Natchez for before he returns to begin a new life?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Penn announces to his parents that he is moving back to his hometown, how do Penn's parents react?

2. According to Penn's mother, why had she been upset earlier on the phone?

3. When Penn first confronts his father about what's bothering his father, how does Tom react?

4. When the two women leave Tom's house, what has Penn decided to do for them?

5. Although Penn has no proof, what does he suspect about his father's involvement in his wife's final hours?

6. Why does Penn decide to move back to his hometown?

7. When Presley and Tom met after Hillman had been killed, what did Tom ask Presley?

8. When Penn first confronts his father about what's bothering his father, what does Penn think is going on?

9. When Penn asks his father if he ever found out the reason behind Marston's attack, what is Tom's reply?

10. When Penn first meets with the person he agrees to be interviewed by, why is Penn stunned?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characteristics, roles, loyalties, and agendas of the following people in the story: Penn Cage, Leo Marston, Austin Mackey, John Portman, and Dwight Stone.

Essay Topic 2

Ilse uses this story to examine the role that truth plays in our daily lives. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when the truth is distorted or hidden? What did you learn from the author's discussion on truth? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Leo Marston wears different masks in the story. Both a community leader and a behind-the-scenes manipulator, Leo is a study in contradictions. Clearly, he can be a good man, but he just chooses not to be one. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Leo Marston. How would the entire plot have been affected if Leo had not been successful at deceiving those around him? Why is it necessary for Leo to wear different masks? Explain your reasoning.

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