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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 Anthony's reaction when he sees the coffin that Glyn picks for Elena?

2. What is Justine Weaver's maiden name?

3. Who accompanies Lynley when he conducts his initial interview with Sarah Gordon?

4. Where does Lynley travel to in order to conduct his initial interview with Sarah Gordon?

5. What is Helen Clyde's title?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Terrence Cuff, what is frequented by people living in town but not by university students?

2. Why does Glyn want an open casket public viewing of Elena's body?

3. The morning that she came upon Elena's body, what had Sarah Gordon decided to do?

4. According to Chapter 7, what does Pen feel oppressed by?

5. When Lynley reaches the crime scene, what do the local men in the workshop repairing boats believe about the ongoing investigation?

6. According to the New Scotland Yard's Superintendent, who contacts the New Scotland Yard to request assistance in the investigation into Elena's murder?

7. How does Glyn Weaver respond in Chapter 9 when the police deny her second demand?

8. After driving her mother to an assisted-living facility, why does Barbara Havers return to Acton?

9. What does the preliminary report into Elena's murder state?

10. What does Lynley learn during his initial meeting with Terrence Cuff?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elena Weaver seems to be a woman who was supremely confident in her ability to come out on top. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight her confidence. How was Elena helped by her utter confidence? How was Elena hurt by her confidence?

Essay Topic 2

Both Rosalyn Simpson and Victor Troughton are not immediately forthcoming when questioned about Elena's murder. Compare the motivations each of these characters has for withholding vital information from Lynley. What changes for each of these characters before they tell the entire truth to Lynley? How does their truthfulness impact Lynley's investigation?

Essay Topic 3

George uses this story to examine the role that truth plays in our daily lives. Examine the author's beliefs through her storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when the truth is distorted or hidden? What did you learn from the author's discussion on truth? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express her beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story?

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