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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. At this point who is the only person being called as a witness in the investigation?

2. The dealer transports drugs inside of which item?

3. The Constable says that killers are often _____________.

4. What is the starting location of the new arrival(s)?

5. Poirot is upset because he feels he has been ____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is revealed in the letters Poirot and Hastings find in Nick's bedroom?

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

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

4. What is learned when Poirot and Hastings reach the nursing home?

5. Explain the involvement of Weston in the case. What is the most recent piece of evidence uncovered?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Freddie Price is one character who exhibits the most erratic behavior while Nick always seems to be somewhat cold and without emotion. Compare and contrast the personalities of the two women. Which characteristics are real and which are contrived? How are they perceived by Poirot?

Essay Topic 2

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 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?

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