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. What has Lola's vow made Walter decide to do?

2. What are Walter's true feelings about Phyllis now?

3. Who rules the death an accident?

4. How did Mr. Sanchetti get to Griffith Park?

5. From eavesdropping, shy does Lola think Mr. Sanchetti was not involved in her father's death?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What suspicious information does Lola give to Walter?

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

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

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

8. What reinforces Lola's love for Sachetti?

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

The story is written in a style called noir fiction for which Cain is famous. Explain the concept of noir fiction and cite some examples to support your position.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,204 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample