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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 makes Lettice Wood decide Mark Wilton could not have killed her guardian?

2. What does Mrs. Davenant say about Wilton's choice in women?

3. Who objects loudly to Rutledge's decision to postpone arresting Wilton?

4. Who remains Rutledge's prime suspect in the investigation as Chapter 12 draws to a close?

5. Who does Rutledge think about as he studies a portrait of Rolf Linden by Catherine Tarrant?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who does Rutledge ask to find the owner of the doll in Chapter 13?

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

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

6. Why does Rutledge interview the two women of ill-repute who live on the lane?

7. What comment does Royston make about the murder in Chapter 13?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Colonel Charles Harris? How was he murdered? What does Rutledge quickly learn about Harris' background when he arrives in the village? What did the villagers thinks of Harris? Does this influence Rutledge's opinions of Harris? Why does Rutledge have trouble identifying with Harris? Is this important to Rutledge's investigation? For what reason?

Essay Topic 2

Who is Lettice Wood? What is her condition the first time Rutledge interviews her? Why does this cause Rutledge to believe Lettice is hiding something? What kind of answers does Lettice give to Rutledge's many questions? Why does Rutledge find himself routinely returning to talk to Lettice? Who does Lettice remind Rutledge of? What information about her relationship to Harris does Lettice finally reveal to Rutledge that takes away Wilton's motive for murder? How is this information a sad turn for Rutledge in comparison to his own experiences?

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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