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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. What does Gerry have installed in his bedroom and bathroom?

2. Who do the two men want Spenser to visit in Chapter 26?

3. What does Spenser say baffles him about the case?

4. Who accompanies Joe to the park?

5. Who does Spenser visit in Boston?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Spenser defeat Broz' men in this section?

2. What does Browne make Spenser realize about Joe Broz in Chapter 26?

3. How does Spenser persuade Cynthia Knox to talk to him?

4. Why does Broz say he attacked Spenser?

5. How does Joe Broz react to the news about his son's activities in this section?

6. How does Spenser try to help Cynthia in this section?

7. What does Spenser discuss with Paul in this section?

8. In what way does this section show Spenser's psychological strength?

9. Why does Susan think Meade Alexander is selfish?

10. How do Spenser and Susan differ?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How accurate do the students think is Robert B. Parker's representation of detective work? Why does Spenser make a good detective? How does he use the story and character to create his representation?

Essay Topic 2

Aside from the main character, examine the way the author uses the other characters in the book. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the book.

1. How does the author use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2. Discuss elements of the narrative structure - exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 803 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample