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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. Who had been Lola's mother's companion at the time of her death?

2. What does Walter think will happen at Mazatlan?

3. What business does Walter have as an offshoot of the insurance business?

4. What is Walter's plan?

5. What advice does Walter give Phyllis?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What shock does Walter get on his second day at sea?

4. Why does Walter's secretary, Nettie, call him at home that morning?

5. What do Walter and Phyllis do after they realize that their fate is sealed?

6. What realization does Walter come to when he sees Phyllis on board?

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

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

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

10. What surprising information does Walter get from reading the newspaper account of his accident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

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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