1. Although Stephanie takes on many odd jobs to make ends meet, her true passion is as a bounty hunter. How do her other jobs add or subtract to this aspiration?

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

3. Grandma Mazur buys clothing similar to Stephanie in Chapter Thirteen. Why do you feel she does this?

4. Stephanie observes that the widow of the fingerless man has never experienced independence and will not know how to handle independence now that her husband has died. How is this different from Stephanie's lifestyle?

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

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

7. In Chapter Thirteen, Stephanie uses Grandma Mazur as a weapon against Vinnie. How does Grandma Mazur use her power over Vinnie to keep Stephanie employed, and what does this say about the power structure in the 'Burg?

8. When Stephanie stakes out Kenny at the motel, does she work alone or with back-up, and why?

9. When Stephanie agrees to guard Spiro, it seems she is simply accepting money to do something she finds distasteful. Is this the reason?

10. Why does Morelli's past with Stephanie suggest a greater opportunity for a future?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The 'Burg was practically a character in the novel itself. This community had a life of its own and beliefs of its own that shaped the characters and the outcome of the story.

Part 1) Describe the 'Burg. What were its unique qualities? How did its character affect the story?

Part 2) What is the significance of the 'Burg in this novel? Could the same story be as believable without the 'Burg as a location?

Part 3) If you were to offer up a different setting for the story, what would be a location option as strong as this one and why?

Essay Topic 2

Stephanie is fiercely independent, yet there are many instances where Morelli is present to protect her. List three moments where Morelli tried to protect Stephanie. Based on the text, determine whether or not his protection in these moments actually kept Stephanie safe or if she was perfectly safe on her own.

Essay Topic 3

Stephanie's apartment is a safe haven that reflects her independent lifestyle. Analyze why the break-in at Stephanie's apartment affected her in the way that it did. Consider the following...

1. What does the apartment symbolize?

2. Why is it important to Stephanie?

3. What was the significance of Stephanie having to leave her apartment to protect her family?

4. Why was it important for her to return to the apartment at the end of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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