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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 Detective-Inspector Doyle believe is a good investment?

2. What does Blakelock tell Howarth when he comes back downstairs?

3. What is all the staff required to do in the library?

4. What does Howarth wish?

5. What does Cliff Bradley assert over and over to Dalgliesh?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Dr. Lorrimer's father calling and what does Brenda offer to do?

2. Describe the scene between Cliff and Susan Bradley as she is breastfeeding their new baby.

3. What is the situation with Mawson and Foley's need for money and how is Dr. Lorrimer mentioned in regards to money?

4. Describe Mrs. Bidwell.

5. Describe Angela Foley.

6. Describe Adam Dalgliesh.

7. How helpful is the interview with Cliff Bradley for Dalgliesh?

8. Describe Brenda Pridmore.

9. What does Susan Bradley ask of Paul Middlemass and what does he do about the request?

10. What does Brenda Pridmore talk about with her parents at breakfast and what is their reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Discuss the following:

1. Name two ideas/concepts you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze those ideas throughout the book and discuss whether you think P.D. James has an agenda concerning those ideas.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 2

It seems that Dr. Kerrison should know a lot about crime and how a detective investigates a crime scene to be able to avoid some of the mistakes he makes that leads to his exposure as the murderer. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze throughout the book all the mistakes Dr. Kerrison makes. Are they stupid mistakes or is Dalgliesh so good that Dalgliesh is able to pick up on very tiny clues?

2. Sometimes it almost seems that a criminal wants to get caught. Do you think this is partially why Dr. Kerrison makes the mistakes he does? Why or why not?

3. Dalgliesh states that Kerrison almost seems relieved when the detectives drive up to arrest him. Why do you think this is?

Essay Topic 3

Nell Kerrison is introduced in the first few chapters. Though she may not be considered a major character, her emotional problems are what ultimately inadvertently condemn her father as a murderer. Additionally, her father chooses to confess his crimes in order that Nell does not have to testify against him. Discuss the following:

1. Briefly analyze Nell's character. What are her strengths and weaknesses. How do her weaknesses cause problems for Dr. Kerrison?

2. Do you believe Dr. Kerrison loves William more than Nell? Why or why not? Use specific examples.

3. What sort of impact do you think it will have on Nell when she realizes she exposes her father as a murderer?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,400 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample