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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 Lola caution Walter about?

2. What does Walter tell Phyllis?

3. What does Walter ask the person to find during the phone call?

4. What does Phyllis do after Walter's accusation?

5. What happens that forces Mr. Nirdlinger to take the train?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why does Walter start to panic after he jumps off the train?

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

8. Describe the meeting between Walter and Phyllis.

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

10. Who is Keyes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the meaning of the book's title. What is the literal meaning? What is the figurative meaning? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,143 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample