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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 job does Miss Gorringe hold at the hotel?

2. The thefts discussed involve which of the following items?

3. What type of breakfast does Miss Marple prefer?

4. Lady Sedgwick runs the other way when she spots which character?

5. What is the name of the horse discussed by Lady Sedgwick and Commissionaire Gorman?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Mr. Humfries? How does he know Colonel Luscombe?

2. What is the reason for Miss Marple's trip to Bertram's Hotel? Who is paying for the trip?

3. Who does Elvira visit? What topic is discussed between the two?

4. What causes Pennyfather to be so late returning to the hotel? How does he get into his room?

5. Which guest is recognized and identified properly? What is the guest's reputation?

6. What is Luscombe's reply? What does Luscombe try to do to ease the situation?

7. Colonel Luscombe broaches a delicate subject with Lady Sedgwick. What is the subject? What is Lady Sedgwick's reply?

8. Describe Bertram's Hotel, its location, architecture, and reputation.

9. How does Pennyfather decide to amuse himself with the extra time? Why does he make the choice?

10. How does Elvira's plan work? What item is taken?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of the story Lady Hazy points out many different guests to Miss Marple although many of the identities are incorrect. Discuss mistaken identities as they relate to the story. Do you think there was another purpose to Lady Hazy's discussion or was it simply entertaining to have Miss Marple realize the error? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Agatha Christie is known as the grand dame of the British mystery world. Read a biography on Agatha Christie. Learn about her life, career as a writer, etc. Create a character description as if Christie was one of her own characters. How might Christie portray herself in a novel? Would she be a detective, villain, or victim? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Christie's brilliant use of foreshadowing throughout the book. Give at least three examples of foreshadowing. Give details and the purpose of using the technique. How else could the reader learn about the important information? What other technique might have been used?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 669 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample