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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 obstacle do Walter and Phyllis encounter on the train?

2. What does Walter contemplate that night at home?

3. Who observes Walter's preparations for bed at 6:45 p.m.?

4. What does Walter do at 4:00 on the day of Mr. Nirdlinger's scheduled departure?

5. What does Lola caution Walter about?

Short Essay Questions

1. What precipitates Walter's meeting Phyllis Nirdlinger?

2. How do Walter and Phyllis' strained emotions exhibit with each other after the murder?

3. What is Walter's second main concern related to the murder?

4. How does the author use foreshadowing in this chapter?

5. What do Walter and Phyllis do with Mr. Nirdlinger's body?

6. What do Walter and Phyllis do to make sure Walter is not inspected too closely by anyone at the train station?

7. How does Walter answer Phyllis regarding accident policies?

8. What metaphor does Phyllis use to describe herself?

9. Who is Keyes?

10. Who does Phyllis bring in as a witness to the paper signing and why is Walter upset by her choice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Walter and Phyllis spend most of their time avoiding being caught for their crime. Do you think they ever felt remorse for what they did? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the point of view in this novel. From whose perspective is the story told? Cite some examples that validate your position.

Essay Topic 3

The author provides no real history or personal information on Walter. reate a personal history, bio and a glimpse into Walter's lifestyle at the time he met Phyllis.

(see the answer keys)

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