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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 Keyes pass along to Walter?

2. What does Phyllis tell Walter when he comes for his second visit?

3. What does Walter stop Phyllis from discarding?

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

5. What does Walter stuff into his coat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What metaphor does Phyllis use to describe herself?

2. What are the circumstances leading up to Walter and Phyllis agreeing to kill Mr. Nirdlinger?

3. What are the reasons that Walter would agree to help Phyllis kill her husband?

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

5. How does Phyllis surprise Walter on the evening after their talk?

6. Describe the final challenge Walter and Phyllis face in completing their facade?

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

8. What precipitates Walter's meeting Phyllis Nirdlinger?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Walter is a pretty cold character until he meets Lola. Explain the irony of Walter's falling in love with Lola.

Essay Topic 2

Is the relationship between Walter and Lola credible? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Walter have a change of heart regarding Phyllis? What enters into the relationship that makes her repugnant to him? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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