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 word best describes Poirot at this point?

2. Ellen says End House has an air of _____________.

3. Poirot lies to the Crofts and says he has brought a special _____ for Nick.

4. What item fell onto Nick's bed?

5. What is the girl's unusual nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. What about the conversation with Ellen strikes Poirot as being odd?

2. Discuss the meeting between Poirot and Charles Vyse.

3. What is Poirot's explanation regarding Nick's opportunity to gain from Seton's death? What was the purpose behind Nick's "accidents?"

4. What is Poirot's reaction to Freddie's story?

5. Explain Poirot's initial thoughts about the people residing at End House.

6. Briefly describe Nick's family history.

7. At this point who are the two main suspects in the attempted murder against Nick?

8. Why is Poirot angry with himself over Maggie's murder?

9. What caused Poirot to make a new deduction about Nick's secret? What telltale thing did Nick say to tip off Poirot?

10. Explain where Poirot and Hastings see Nick. What is the impression the men get of the young woman and her friend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In several instances throughout the book, criminals have taken great pains to attempt to distract Poirot. Why would the criminals attempt to throw Poirot off the trail? Does it work? Write a 1,000-word essay or short story from the point of view of a criminal who is trying to distract and mislead Poirot. Develop an entire crime and the attempts to mislead. Also include the outcome and how Poirot always prevails.

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Freddie Price and Jim Lazarus is never fully disclosed. What do you think is really happening behind the scenes? Do you think Freddie's husband knows about the relationship? Is the relationship the reason Freddie's husband threatens to kill her? Does Freddie's husband bear any ill will toward Lazarus? Does Lazarus know about Freddie's drug habit? How might he react to the news? Do you think the couple will get married as planned? Will any charges be filed against Freddie?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout Agatha Christie's mysteries, there are almost always staff members or servants of some kind. This is especially important in "Peril at End House." In this instance, Ellen clearly knows more than she is willing to share. The same can be said of Ellen's husband and son. Examine how servants play an important role in the lives of the characters as well as in the stories. Why does Christie use this method of introducing characters? Is the use of servants a part of every day life for this type of main characters or are they used to distract the reader? In murder mysteries, servants are often used as scapegoats. Is this an accurate portrayal? What is required of the servants upon being employed? Is the employer's level of trust given automatically or does it have to be earned?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,083 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample