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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 does Lettice Wood say about Rutledge's progress with the investigation in chapter 12?

2. How does Lettice Wood's revelation of a brief affair with Harris change Wilton's motive?

3. What does Carfield preach about in Chapter 15?

4. What is the primary thought on Lettice Wood's mind in the end of Chapter 17?

5. Who does Rutledge ask for an opinion about the murder case in the beginning of Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rutledge agree in Chapter 18 to delay his arrest of Captain Wilton until after the funeral?

2. Where does Rutledge find himself continuously drawn as he continues to investigate the murder of Harris?

3. Why does Catherine Tarrant admit she paid Hickam after the murder?

4. What does Rutledge reveal in the beginning of Chapter 19 that he believes happened in the meadow the morning of the murder?

5. What does Lettice Wood say about her thoughts on Wilton's possible motives for murder?

6. What does Rutledge discover in Chapter 20 when he goes into Helena Sommers' bedroom the morning of the funeral?

7. Who is Lettice Wood surprised to learn was the source of Mavers' pension?

8. Why does Bowles claim Scotland Yard cannot support Rutledge if he arrests Captain Wilton without strong evidence in Chapter 18?

9. What new information does Rutledge get when he is finally able to interview Hickam in Chapter 15?

10. What information does Mrs. Davenant give Rutledge about Wilton in Chapter 11 that could provide a motive for murder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Lizzie Pinter? Why is she traumatized? What does the doctor think of her condition? What does he do to help her? What does Rutledge find of Lizzie's in the meadow where Harris' body was found? What does Rutledge think Lizzie saw in the meadow? How does this change Rutledge's assumptions about the murder?

Essay Topic 2

Who is the main suspect in the murder of Harris? What does Rutledge think about the evidence he has gathered against this suspect? Does Scotland Yard support Rutledge's conclusions? Does Rutledge have the full support of his superiors at Scotland Yard? Explain. What could potentially happen to Ian Rutledge if he fails to solve this case in a satisfactory manner? Why do many people complain that Rutledge is taking too long to solve the case? Is he? How does Rutledge respond to this pressure?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following themes in detail, citing examples from the novel:

1) revenge

2) death and grief

3) romantic disappointments

4) mental instability.

(see the answer keys)

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