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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. In Chapter Fourteen, who goes missing at the funeral parlor?

2. In Chapter Eight, why can't Stephanie physically catch Kenny when she spots him?

3. Why does Spiro fire Stephanie in Chapter Thirteen?

4. In Chapter Fourteen, what crime does Spiro beg Kenny not to commit in the funeral parlor basement?

5. After Stephanie points out the suspicious van, whom does Spiro suggest is stealing caskets?

Short Essay Questions

1. Mrs. Plum is suddenly on Stephanie's side and wants her to succeed at capturing Kenny. Why?

2. Why is it frightening when the Sandman is killed and his body mutilated?

3. In Chapter Eleven, what action does Stephanie take that causes the religious structure of the 'Burg to be revealed?

4. What does Stephanie learn about Morelli when Andy Roche appears in Chapter Twelve, and what does this say about Stephanie's instincts?

5. Why does it seem as though Joyce Barnhardt has had it out for Stephanie throughout their entire life?

6. How does Morelli help defend Grandma Mazur and Stephanie against Kenny?

7. Why does Stephanie's mother complain about Stephanie wearing Doc Marten boots?

8. What do Stephanie and Lula have in common?

9. Describe the type of style the women in the 'Burg aspire to. Does caring about beauty and fashion make them seem oppressed?

10. Stephanie does not call the police about the finger. Instead, she returns it to the body. What does this say about her character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kenny's past is mentioned several times throughout the novel. There is discussion of how Kenny was as a child, as well as his recent relationships with women. Many of these instances are considered disturbing. How does this word of mouth discussion develop his character?

Essay Topic 2

The author utilizes symbols throughout the story. From each of the following examples, explain what each object symbolizes in Stephanie's life. Explain how each symbol reflects an aspect of Stephanie's life and how it serves the story.

1. The Buick

2. The Sexy Purple Shoes

3. The Gun in the Jar

Essay Topic 3

Stephanie's independence is a driving force in the novel. How would the story be different if the lead character was not so fiercely independent?

Part 1) Acknowledge the many ways Stephanie exerts her independence. How does her independence affect her interpersonal relationships? Does it help them or hurt them?

Part 2) Cite examples in the story where Stephanie's independence either helped or hurt her. Could she have prevented the attack on Grandma Mazur? Was it her independence that made her a target?

Part 3) What do you think would happen if Stephanie had relied more upon Morelli or her family during the story, instead of trying to handle everything alone? Would the case have been solved sooner? Would it have been solved at all?

(see the answer keys)

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