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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. Which item is not found in Nick's underwear drawer?

2. Who sends a letter to Poirot?

3. Who appears in the room and shocks nearly everyone?

4. Who supposedly sent the chocolates?

5. Poirot refers to murderers as having a different ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Examine the conversation between Challenger and Poirot.

2. What does Poirot learn about the will during the next visit to see Nick?

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

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

5. What is Poirot's next step?

6. Discuss the meeting between Poirot, Hastings and Inspector Japp.

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

8. List at least some of the questions Poirot has about the people on the list.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series. How many books are there? Write a character profile of Hercule Poirot. Include his work with the British law enforcement system as well as work as a private detective. Discuss how the character has progressed and evolved throughout the series. Where might Poirot go next? How might Poirot's adventures change in future books? Has Poirot ever failed to solve a case? Has Poirot ever worked with other detectives, e.g, Miss Jane Marple? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Inspector Japp is always attempting to keep up with Poirot or even exceed the Belgian detective's crime solving skills. Unfortunately, Japp is always at least one step behind Poirot. Compare and contrast Inspector Japp and Hercule Poirot, their skill set, and successes in solving crimes.

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)

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