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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. Where does Rutledge go in the middle of the night to try to figure out the logistics of the murder?

2. What does Rutledge threaten when Rutledge tells him of the evidence mounting against him?

3. What does Rutledge dream of doing when this case is over as discussed in Chapter 13?

4. What gossip does Rutledge hear in Chapter 14 as he questions the villagers about Mavers?

5. What causes Hickam's testimony to be confusing as Rutledge is finally able to interrogate him in Chapter 15?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Rutledge learn was a nurse during the war? What does this say about this particular character?

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

3. Why does Rutledge question women in the village square in Chapter 14 about Mavers' alibi?

4. Why does Rutledge attend church in Chapter 15? What happens afterward?

5. Who tells Lettice Wood that he once was involved in a car accident that resulted in a child's death in a way to comfort her in her grief?

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

7. What does Rutledge fear will happen should he arrest Captain Wilton for the murder of Colonel Harris?

8. In Chapter 16, Rutledge learns that Harris ate lunch at the inn often. What is unusual about Harris' lunch the Tuesday before his death?

9. How does Lizzie Pinter react to her father physically attacking Rutledge in Chapter 18?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does Lettice reveal about her relationship with Harris? How did this changing relationship lead to a fight between Harris and Lettice? Harris and Wilton? How could this argument have been motive for murder? Is it? Why does Lettice fail to tell this story to Rutledge until late in the novel? What is Lettice trying to hide? Has Lettice done something wrong? Has Harris? What might the public have though had this truth come out more publicly?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following characters and their motives for murder in detail, citing examples from the novel to support your conclusions:

1) Wilton

2) Mavers

3) Royston

4) Hickam.

(see the answer keys)

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