View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who has been Phyllis' regular visitor?

2. Where was Lola's mother when she died?

3. What information does Keyes share with Walter?

4. What does Lola tell Walter when he takes her out to dinner?

5. What did Mr. Sanchetti witness at Griffith Park?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Keyes' position on the accident?

2. Why does Walter's secretary, Nettie, call him at home that morning?

3. What is it that finally makes Walter admit to murdering Nirdlinger?

4. Describe Lola's demeanor when she visits Walter at his office a week later.

5. What is the news about the murder in the paper the next morning?

6. What reinforces Lola's love for Sachetti?

7. How does Lola react when Walter advises her about not testifying about Phyllis?

8. What are the details of Walter's plan to kill Phyllis?

9. What surprising information does Walter get from reading the newspaper account of his accident?

10. How does Walter's wish to marry Lola show his suspended state of reality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Walter and Phyllis. What qualities does each bring to the scenario to commit the "perfect murder?"

Essay Topic 2

The story illustrates how evil thoughts lead to evil deeds. Why is Walter a prime candidate to take part in the crime? What is the lethal combination that lures him to make this decision?

Essay Topic 3

Walter is a pretty cold character until he meets Lola. Explain the irony of Walter's falling in love with Lola.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,139 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample