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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 will the insurance company think about Mr. Nirdlinger?

2. Which method do Walter and Phyllis decide for the murder?

3. What are Phyllis and Walter discussing when she abruptly changes the subject?

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

5. What does Walter realize now about Phyllis?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Walter's state of mind while waiting for the time to kill Mr. Nirdlinger arrives.

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

3. What activities does Walter follow to begin to set up his alibi on the day the murder is to take place?

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

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

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

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

8. Who is Mr. Sachetti?

9. Who is Keyes?

10. How does Walter answer Phyllis regarding accident policies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of the moon throughout the story? What does it mean for Walter and Lola? What does it ultimately mean for Walter and Phyllis? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The story illustrates how evil thoughts lead to evil deeds. Why is Walter a prime candidate to take part in the crime? What is the lethal combination that lures him to make this decision?

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