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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. How does Phyllis contact Walter during this time?

2. What consumes Walter's thoughts after Keyes leaves?

3. Why is Keyes excited now?

4. What does Lola confess to Walter one night?

5. What does Walter tell Keyes when he fears for Lola's safety?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lola react when Walter advises her about not testifying about Phyllis?

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

3. What is it that finally makes Walter admit to murdering Nirdlinger?

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

5. What is the news about the murder in the paper the next morning?

6. What information about Sachetti does Walter learn from Lola?

7. What are the details of Walter's plan to kill Phyllis?

8. Describe Lola's demeanor when she visits Walter at his office a week later.

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

10. What is Keyes' position on the accident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Walter and Phyllis. What qualities does each bring to the scenario to commit the "perfect murder?"

(see the answer keys)

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