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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. Why does Royston tell Rutledge Sally Davenant chose to become a nurse during the war?

2. What does Rutledge have trouble picturing when he returns to the meadow where the murder victim was discovered?

3. Who is the real Helena Sommers?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Rutledge react when Catherine Tarrant shows him a portrait of her German lover in Chapter 17?

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

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

5. Who killed Colonel Charles Harris?

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

7. Why does Rutledge questions Mrs. Davenant about the pension Mavers' receives in Chapter 11?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Discuss each of the following in detail, citing examples from the novel to support your conclusions:

1) Setting

2) Point of view

3) Metaphor and symbolism

4) Structure.

(see the answer keys)

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