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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 name of the young woman Poirot meets after twisting his ankle?

2. What is Freddie's reason for being with Lazarus?

3. What item does Poirot show Freddie to prove he is telling the truth about the murder attempt?

4. At what time does Nick run in to answer the phone?

5. Nick and Seton became engaged around which holiday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the scene shortly after the discovery of Maggie's body.

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

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

4. How does Poirot meet the Crofts?

5. Who is Michael Seton? What is his role in the story thus far?

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

7. Who are the other residents at End House?

8. What plan is put into motion by Poirot and Dr. Graham?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From the beginning of the story, Ellen's husband and son are viewed as strange and perhaps even mentally ill. Explain the father and son's mannerisms that cause the others to think they are unstable. Is either truly mentally ill or unstable? How can one tell? What is the strangest fact about the father and son in your opinion? Explain. Does Poirot relate any of their behaviors to the death of Maggie or the mysterious accidents? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the arrival of Poirot and Hastings at the Majestic Hotel in St. Loo. Why are the men in St. Loo? is it for business or pleasure? Why does Hastings see the trip as an opportunity to try to convince Poirot to come out of retirement? Why does Hastings want Poirot to go back to work? What occasion almost tempted Poirot to return to law enforcement? What type of work did Poirot do within the law enforcement community? What changes Poirot's mind about his retirement?

(see the answer keys)

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