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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 does Watson hear alone at night in Chapter 6?

2. What was found near Sir Charles's body?

3. What excites Sir Henry on the journey where he cries out in delight?

4. What does Stapleton reveal that shocks Watson?

5. How was Holmes able to tell what newspaper the words came from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What three leads turn out to be dead-ends for this case?

2. Why is Dr. Mortimer concerned about Sir Henry's safety?

3. What is significant about the fact that Mrs. Barrymore received the telegram instead of her husband?

4. What is Stapleton's theory about how Sir Charles died?

5. How does Watson feel about Sir Henry?

6. Who is Selden and why is he significant to everyone?

7. Why did Dr. Mortimer advise Sir Charles to go to London?

8. What was wrong with Holmes's deductions of Dr. Mortimer?

9. What is dangerous about the Grimpen Mire?

10. Sir Henry uses the term "dime novel" to suggest his feelings on the whole matter. What does this say about Sir Henry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Holmes piece together Stapleton's plot? Discuss each of his steps and discoveries thoroughly, as well as his method.

Essay Topic 2

Explain deduction. How is it used by the characters in the novel? Why is it so necessary for Holmes to see only the facts and to never actually theorize? Is this a realistic approach to unraveling mysteries? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the text to back up your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of foreshadowing in this novel. Using at least three examples, discuss how they are used to indicate the next turn of the plot.

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