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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 place a phone call to?

2. Who does Walter learn has called him at the office?

3. What does Walter stop Phyllis from discarding?

4. What does Walter actually do after Phyllis' plea?

5. What does Walter do after he jumps off the train?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scenario where Walter kills Mr. Nirdlinger.

2. What is Walter's response to Phyllis' request for an accident policty on her husband?

3. Who is Keyes?

4. What does Walter do when he returns home after the murder?

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

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

7. What metaphor does Phyllis use to describe herself?

8. Why does Walter make three visits to Mr. Nirdlinger?

9. What do Walter and Phyllis do with Mr. Nirdlinger's body?

10. Who does Phyllis bring in as a witness to the paper signing and why is Walter upset by her choice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Walter believes that he is smarter than most of the people he deals with--including Phyllis. Explain how this is part of his downfall. What role do greed and ego play in Walter's demise?

Essay Topic 2

This story is built on a thread of tension for dramatic effect. Cite three examples from the book in which the author puts the characters in almost unbearably tense situations.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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