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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 is the profession of the silent man in black?

2. What is the initial on the handkerchief?

3. Why does Ratchett approach Poirot?

4. Who is Princess Dragomiroff?

5. Who manages to get Poirot a first class berth?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Ratchett murdered?

2. What is Ratchett's purpose for wanting protection from Poirot?

3. How did Mrs. Hubbard react to the handkerchief?

4. What is mysterious about the berth in which Ratchett is murdered?

5. What items did Poirot collect for examination?

6. What is Miss Debenham's initial reaction to Poirot?

7. What prompts the military officer to stay in Poirot's company at the train station?

8. Why did the Poirot blow powder on to Ratchett's window?

9. What unusual item was worn by the lady in the corridor?

10. For what reason is Poirot's berth changed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The murderers were counting on the case running smoothly because of the involvement of the regular police. The murderers became alarmed when they recognized Poirot. What was the difference between the police solving the crime and the case being solved by Poirot? Would the mysterious conductor have been more effective? What about the red kimono and false clues?

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Hubbard is one character that exhibits the most erratic behavior while Miss Debenham always seems to be cold and without emotion. Compare and contrast the personalities of the two women. Which characteristics were real and which were contrived? How were they perceived by Poirot?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Colonel Arbuthnot and Miss Debenham was never fully disclosed. What do you think they were talking about when spotted in Syria? Why did the mention of the relationship upset Miss Debenham? What do you think constituted the relationship between the Colonel and Miss Debenham? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 457 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample