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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. Who does Walter meet at the customer's house?

2. What does Walter do when he dresses?

3. What has Walter done that Keyes looks favorably on him?

4. Who appears at Walter's house during a rain storm?

5. Where does Mr. Nirdlinger work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Walter's state of mind immediately after the murder and what mistake does he preempt?

2. What are Walter's final preparations before leaving home to commit the murder?

3. What do Walter and Phyllis do to make sure Walter is not inspected too closely by anyone at the train station?

4. What is the biggest logistical problem Walter and Phyllis face regarding the murder?

5. Why does Walter call his office that night looking for a rate book?

6. From what point of view is this story told?

7. What favor does Lola ask of Walter on behalf of her boyfriend?

8. What is the happy accident that befalls Mr. Nirdlinger?

9. What metaphor does Phyllis use to describe herself?

10. Who is Mr. Sachetti?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Phyllis' personal history. What else is in her background that shows an evil character? Why does she behave the way she does?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the symbolism of Walter's using the crutch to kill Mr. Nirdlinger. What does this choice show about Walter? Why did the author choose the crutch when there are so many other options available to Walter?

Essay Topic 3

Why does it never occur to Walter that Phyllis is thinking of a way to kill him just as he is thinking of killing her? What is it about Walter's personality that allows for this flawed lack of judgment? Explain.

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This section contains 949 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample