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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 confesses to the murder of Mr. Maltraverse?

2. From where were the documents stolen?

3. What was the man doing when he died?

4. Where was Poirot when the commotion occurred?

5. The story of the Western Star most likely originated in which country?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who visits Hastings in Poirot's absence? What is strange about the encounter?

2. What disturbing news does Poirot receive regarding a theft? Who is the main suspect?

3. What is the first step in investigating the case for Poirot and Hastings?

4. Why is the new tenant anxious about moving into the cheap flat?

5. What is the crux of the case the woman wants Poirot to investigate? Who and what are involved?

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

7. What event traumatizes Mrs. Maltraverse? What happens shortly after the event takes place?

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

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

10. What has the woman so upset about one of her possessions? What are the consequences if Marvell does not comply?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is an important part of a mystery, often giving clues to the reader and the story's detective. What are the ways in which Christie uses symbolism in her stories? Give examples of blatant symbolism, such as the key in "The Case of the Missing Will" and more subtle symbolism. Compare and contrast the symbolism used in the Hercule Poirot mysteries and the mysteries in which Miss Marple is the sleuth.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout Agatha Christie's mysteries there are almost always staff members or servants of some kind. This is especially important in "The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan." Examine how servants played 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?

Essay Topic 3

In "The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan" police must conduct a crime scene investigation at the site of the theft of Mrs. Opalsen's necklace. Describe in detail how the investigation was carried out and how the police missed an important item. Compare and contrast the methods used in the story to modern day crime scene investigation techniques. What are the biggest advancements? Are there cases in which the "old school" ways are better? Explain.

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