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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. What time of year is it when the case takes place?

2. Which character died from heart poisoning only two weeks later?

3. Davenheim planned to travel to which location on the day he disappeared?

4. What is found in the dead man's right hand?

5. What is the name of the god that is part man, part dog?

Short Essay Questions

1. The case involves an incident at Davenheim's bank. What happened and what was taken?

2. Who is the first alleged guest to be interviewed by Poirot? What happened?

3. What seems to be the most difficult part of the trip for Poirot?

4. Who approaches Poirot and Hastings while they are talking about peace negotiations? Who is the main character in the discussion?

5. Who is the first couple Poirot and Hastings meet? The woman is the proud owner of what kind of items?

6. In addition to needing to know the truth about her husband's death, what other reason does Lady Williard have for wanting answers?

7. Captain Daniels had been found by the police. Where was Daniels and in what condition was the Captain?

8. Captain Hastings and Poirot decide to take a short trip to get a change of scenery. Where do they go and what is the first thing they do upon arrival?

9. What is one of the first thoughts that crosses Poirot's mind while observing the hotel guests?

10. What happens when Poirot, Captain Hastings and Dr. Hawker arrive at Count Foscatini's place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Agatha Christie is fond of creating alter egos and false identities for her characters. From a writer's point of view, what would be the purpose of this technique? Is it possible for the reader to unravel the mystery using the clues given by Christie and Poirot? Explain. Create a detailed alter ego for yourself as it might appear in one of Christie's mysteries.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Hastings is a staple in the stories contained in POIROT INVESTIGATES. What is the history of Captain Hastings? How does he know Poirot? In what capacity can Hastings call himself a captain? What is Hastings' profession? What benefit is there to having Hastings in the story from Christie's point of view? What benefit is there to having Hastings in the story from Poirot's point of view? Name and describe at least three instances where Hastings' presence was invaluable to Poirot. How might Poirot have solved the cases without the help of Hastings? Who else served in the same capacity as the captain?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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