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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 is Walter's plan?

2. Where does Phyllis call Walter from so they can talk privately?

3. What does Keyes say will happen to Lola?

4. What advice does Walter give Phyllis?

5. What does Walter realize when he sees Phyllis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reinforces Lola's love for Sachetti?

2. How does Walter find out who Keyes thinks is Phyllis' accomplice?

3. What are the preliminary investigative results about the case?

4. How did Sachetti come to be at the site of Walter's shooting that night?

5. What happens after Walter wakes up in the hospital?

6. What does Lola tell Walter about Sachetti that makes him suspicious?

7. What transpires when Keyes returns to Walter's hospital room later that night?

8. How does Walter's wish to marry Lola show his suspended state of reality?

9. What is the symbolism of the moon at the end of the story?

10. What does Keyes tell Walter to get him to start thinking about confessing to Nirdlinger's murder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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

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.

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