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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 character had a duplicate key all along but pretended to be sick?

2. What is the surname of the woman that approaches Poirot for help?

3. When the man approached the group, what was on his face?

4. Who informs Hastings about the cheap flat?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why were the Robinsons considered to be perfect as the new tenants?

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

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

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

5. What event causes an uproar during the dinner at Marsdon Manor? Who informs the diners of the disturbance?

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

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

8. What happens when Hastings and Havering reach Hunter's Lodge? What story is told to Hastings?

9. What is the murder weapon? Where was it recovered by the police?

10. What about the doctor's statement struck Poirot as being odd? Who may have influenced the autopsy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Jewels are often used in mysteries as an item that is stolen. Explain why it is common for jewels to be the choice items for thieves. What types of jewels are most likely to be stolen and from whom? What jewels were stolen throughout "Poirot Investigates?" Were the jewels loose or were they set in some way? Which is the most common setting for loose jewels? How would a thief hide a jewel? How would one sell a stolen jewel? What is the most unusual jewel in the book? Why is it unusual?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample