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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. The sound of a ____ distracts the party goers.

2. What is the name of the garage used by Nick?

3. Poirot makes a note to interview which of the following?

4. What is the name of the man interested in marrying Nick?

5. Where do Poirot and Hastings spot Nick?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the meeting between Poirot and Charles Vyse.

2. What does Poirot say when he approaches Freddie? What is Freddie's reply?

3. What confession does Freddie make to Poirot?

4. How does Poirot meet the Crofts?

5. Briefly describe Nick's family history.

6. What are some of Poirot's main concerns regarding Nick at this point?

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

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

9. Under what circumstances does Poirot meet Nick?

10. What is the discrepancy between the theories of the police and Poirot?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Examine Nick's situation at End House. If Nick is broke as she claims, how is it possible to pay the mortgage on End House? How does Nick afford to keep the house staff? Where does Nick get her money? Does Nick work? Is there any type of financial inheritance or trust?

Essay Topic 3

Captain Hastings is a staple in many of Agatha Christie's stories in the Poirot series. What is the history of Captain Hastings? How does he know Poirot? In what capacity can Hastings call himself a captain? What is Hastings' profession? What benefit is there to having Hastings in the story from Christie's point of view? What benefit is there to having Hastings in the story from Poirot's point of view? Name and describe at least three instances where Hastings' presence is invaluable to Poirot. How might Poirot have solved the cases without the help of Hastings? Who else serves in the same capacity as the captain?

(see the answer keys)

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