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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 the Count's native country?

2. Which passenger did not ring the bell during the night?

3. When was the last time Masterman saw Ratchett?

4. Which passenger changes berths?

5. Who said Cassetti deserved to die for what he did?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Mrs. Hubbard react to the handkerchief?

2. What items did Poirot collect for examination?

3. What is Miss Debenham's initial reaction to Poirot?

4. For what reason is Poirot's berth changed?

5. What did Dr. Constantine find odd about some of Ratchett's wounds?

6. Why did MacQueen go to see Ratchett that evening?

7. How is Ratchett murdered?

8. Why did the Poirot blow powder on to Ratchett's window?

9. What is so odd about Miss Debenham's association with Colonel Arbuthnot?

10. What is Poirot's reaction to Ratchett?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pierre Michel turned out to be involved in the case although he was able to fool Poirot at first. What comments made by Bouc put Michel in a good light? Do you think that Michel's questionable intelligence was a factor? How was Michel tied to the case?

Essay Topic 2

One of the most telling clues in the case was that Ratchett was stabbed 12 times. Do you think the number was a metaphor for the number of people on a jury? Who do you think delivered the fatal blow(s)? Would the number of murderers been evident if all wounds were inflicted at the same height or using the same hand (right or left)?

Essay Topic 3

Early in the story, Ratchett told Poirot that he had enemies that might wish him harm. Ratchett never explained. How did Ratchett know that he might become a victim? What was the purpose of sending Ratchett the letter found on the train? Was it psychological revenge? State your opinions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 447 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample