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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 story refers to "The Western Star." What is "The Western Star?"

2. At the beginning of the story Poirot is preparing to go on a trip for which reason?

3. What was the last name of the man who stayed next door to Ridgeway on the trip?

4. Where did the man work? What was his position?

5. Which character turns up missing shortly after speaking with the inspector?

Short Essay Questions

1. What strikes Poirot as peculiar regarding the new tenants?

2. Who is the character that approaches Poirot and Hastings in the beginning of the story? How is the woman described?

3. Who is the woman seen on the street by Poirot and his companion? Why is she known to Poirot?

4. How did the goods originally come into Ridgeway's possession? Who turned the goods over to Ridgeway?

5. Who was the victim of the crime? Where did the crime take place?

6. Even though special precautions were taken, the bonds were stolen. What happened to the bonds?

7. How were the bonds secured to prevent theft? What special precaution was taken?

8. What is the condition of Poirot when he receives a visitor? Who is the visitor?

9. What item is in the possession of Lady Yardly and how does it relate to Miss Marvell's item?

10. Why is Poirot sent to investigate the rental of an unusually cheap flat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Case of the Missing Will" Poirot must help Miss Marsh find a will that had been hidden by her uncle. If the will was not found, all of the uncle's money would go to charity rather than to Miss Marsh. There is a legal clause which makes this execution possible. Examine the process of making a will. What is the clause in the original will that would cause all of the money and property to go to charity if the new will was not found? What are Miss Marsh's legal rights in regards to both wills? What does it mean to contest a will? Who is in charge of drafting the will? Who were the witnesses? What leads Poirot to find the new will?

Essay Topic 2

Personification is a powerful way to make objects come alive and play important parts in the story. For example, the diamonds in "The Adventure of the Western Star" are personified to make the story more interesting. Examine how this technique was used in this particular story. What was the purpose of using the technique in that way? In what other ways does Christie use personification? Give at least three examples of personification and how its use drives the plot of the story.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 824 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample