View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Walter hear as he crouches in the dark?

3. What does Walter stop Phyllis from discarding?

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

5. What does Walter do on the day of Mr. Nirdlinger's scheduled departure?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe the meeting between Walter and Phyllis.

6. What favor does Lola ask of Walter on behalf of her boyfriend?

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

8. What precipitates Walter's meeting Phyllis Nirdlinger?

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

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

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

The author provides no real history or personal information on Walter. reate a personal history, bio and a glimpse into Walter's lifestyle at the time he met Phyllis.

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)

This section contains 1,121 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample