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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. Who appears in the room and shocks nearly everyone?

2. How long did the chocolates sit on the table by the nurses' station before they were delivered?

3. What color were the flowers?

4. Who was engaged to Michael Seton?

5. Poirot says, "Are not ___ escapes from death enough for her?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Poirot's suggestion in regards to clearing up the mystery of the will?

2. Explain the scene with the Crofts at this time.

3. Explain Hastings' role at this time.

4. What is the obvious solution to the crime now that Freddie's husband is dead?

5. What is Poirot's next step?

6. What does Poirot show using the list he made previously?

7. Explain the first steps taken in Poirot's plan to flush out the killer.

8. Examine the conversation between Challenger and Poirot.

9. What is most disturbing about the delivery of the chocolates?

10. What is contained in the letter sent to Poirot from Maggie's mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hercule Poirot is a well known detective. Examine Poirot's experience and credibility. Why do people listen to Poirot over local police? How did Poirot gain his reputation? What does Poirot get out of helping to solve cases? Is there a chance of accolades, awards or monetary compensation? Explain. Why do you think Poirot is reluctant to come out of retirement? What type of job was offered to Poirot shortly before he and Hastings traveled to St. Loo? What would you do in Poirot's shoes - accept the prestigious assignment or stay retired? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Agatha Christie is known as the grand dame of the British mystery world. Read a biography on Agatha Christie. Learn about her life, career as a writer, etc. Create a character description as if Christie was one of her own characters. How might Christie portray herself in a novel? Would she be a detective, villain or victim? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Given Poirot's initial encounter with Nick Buckley, do you think that the meeting is an accident or do you think it was somehow planned by Buckley? What is Poirot's initial reaction to Buckley? Are Poirot's initial impressions of the girl correct? What begins to change Poirot's mind about Buckley? How does Hastings react toward Buckley during that first meeting?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 962 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample