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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. Montgomery remembers that Charlie used to live with his mother and he inquires about her. What has happened to Charlie's mother?

2. Who is watching Montgomery as he tries to wrap up the painting and stick it in the car?

3. What is the real reason both counsels are making Montgomery offers?

4. When Montgomery finally leaves the car and his victim to die, what does he do with the painting?

5. Who arrives at Wally's Pub as Montgomery sits there after fleeing his crime?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the maid fights back at Montgomery after he shoves her in the car, he says he sees her as a "cornered heroine in a melodrama." Do you think this is an appropriate description of his victim?

2. It is no secret that Montgomery is angry at the world and feels he is owed something. How would killing this innocent person be revenge enough on the world for his alter ego Billy Bunter or Montgomery himself?

3. For what reasons would the drop of blood Montgomery discovers on his finger cause him to go into a paranoid state?

4. When Montgomery's mother's will is read, Montgomery is shocked to find out he is disinherited. At first he thinks it's because of the most recent fight they had but later finds out his mother disinherited him years prior. Why did his mother do this?

5. Using your knowledge of Montgomery's history with women, why would he choose the "Portrait of the Woman with Gloves" rather than another?

6. As Charlie cooks breakfast, Montgomery says he feels a "weepy regard" for Charlie. Why would he feel this way?

7. Charlie tells Montgomery that the police brought Charlie into the station and Montgomery thinks Charlie is talking about the train station. What does this tell you about the mindset of Montgomery?

8. Montgomery describes his fondness for his old family friend Charlie French, yet at the same time he doesn't forgive Charlie for a previous situation. What does this inner conflict tell the reader about Montgomery?

9. Montgomery speaks of his wife visiting him in jail. He is annoyed with her calm demeanor and ability to make decisions without him. Why might these characteristics upset Montgomery?

10. According to Montgomery, he feels that now that he is no longer drinking alcohol he "has woken up to a hangover with a vengeance." What does Montgomery mean by saying this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses flashbacks to tell the story of Montgomery. Why does the author use this method of storytelling? Are the flashbacks effective in telling the story of Montgomery's crime? Why are they effective?

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is an effective tool used by the writer. Montgomery foreshadows his crime and punishment in several areas of the novel. What are some examples of foreshadowing in the novel? How is foreshadowing effectively used in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Montgomery is a character who acts spontaneously. Why are the spontaneous characteristics of Montgomery important to the plot? How would the novel be different if Montgomery planned his every move?

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