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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 Phyllis give the items to at the train station?

2. Where does Mr. Nirdlinger work?

3. Who is the customer that Walter remembers?

4. Where is Mr. Nirdlinger's body left while Walter and Phyllis go to the train station?

5. Who is Phyllis?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the next step in Walter and Phyllis' plan after the murder?

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

4. What is Walter's second main concern related to the murder?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Keyes. What is his role in Walter's life? What is his role in the book overall?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the point of view in this novel. From whose perspective is the story told? Cite some examples that validate your position.

Essay Topic 3

Explain why Walter is so enamored with Phyllis. Why does he willingly offer to commit murder for her? Is this typical behavior for Walter or has something happened to him at this particular point in his life.

(see the answer keys)

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