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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. When was John Hossack murdered?

2. What sentence follows Mrs. Hale's line: "No, Wright wouldn't like the bird -- a thing that sang. She used to sing"?

3. Mrs. Peters becomes frozen near the end of the story because she is unable to touch what?

4. Where do the men go to investigate first after leaving the women in the kitchen?

5. Who states in the short story, "women are used to worrying over trifles"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mrs. Peters describe her understanding of stillness in the narrative?

2. What does Mrs. Wright consider about the rocking chair in the Wrights' home? How is it described?

3. What leads Mr. Henderson to the conclusion that Mrs. Wright is a bad housekeeper?

4. What scene does Mrs. Hale imagine after finding the half-poured sugar in the kitchen?

5. When Mr. Hale questioned Mrs. Wright about her husband's murder, what did she inform him?

6. What did Mrs. Wright do when Mr. Hale attempted to make small talk?

7. How does Mr. Henderson explain the need for a motive in the case to the sheriff?

8. Why does Mrs. Hale defend the suspect's dirty kitchen? What does Mr. Henderson regard this to be?

9. When does Mrs. Hale ask Mrs. Peters her opinion on the guilt of Mrs. Wright? What is her reply?

10. What does Mrs. Hale remark to Mrs. Peters about the lack of children in the home and Mr. Wright's personality when the women are alone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Mr. Henderson and his role in the narrative. What threat does Mr. Henderson pose to Minnie Wright? What is Mr. Henderson's intention in his investigation?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the symbolism of the bird cage, the pretty box and the dead canary in the story. What is represented by each?

Essay Topic 3

Define and analyze the theme of female loyalty in the narrative. What actions of the women reinforce this theme?

(see the answer keys)

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