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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 happens to the drunk Qwilleran saw when he arrived in Junktown?

2. What is settled before Qwilleran takes the apartment?

3. Who is the mysterious and beautiful owner of the Blue Dragon?

4. Where is Koko when Qwilleran finds him?

5. What is strange about the phone call to Miss Duckworth's shop when Qwilleran answers the phone?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to prevent Iris from reading Qwilleran's palm?

2. What questions are raised in the mind of the reader when the Mackintosh Coat of Arms is introduced?

3. How does Iris Cobb evaluate Andy Glanz?

4. What is Riker's advice to Qwilleran after he tells the editor about the mysterious circumstances surrounding Andy's death?

5. In what way is Mary Duxbury (aka Mary Duckworth) a typical femme fatale in the novel?

6. Describe how Qwilleran comes up with the idea of writing a feature called "Christmas in Junktown."

7. Describe Qwilleran's feelings about Ben Nicolas.

8. How does Yum Yum contribute to the mystery?

9. What is Mary Duckworth's confession to Qwilleran?

10. What information bombshell does Sylvia Katzenhide inadvertently drop when Qwilleran calls on her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "Why I Thought [another character] Was the Murderer". Braun cleverly intersperses enough red herrings that almost any of the characters might have been the murderer. Pick out one other than Ben Nicolas and detail the mystery around that character that pointed to his or her possible guilt.

Essay Topic 2

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "The Value of Mystery Novels as Escapism in Literature". Define escapism, point out how mystery stories put readers into situations they are unlikely to experience in real life, and compare mystery stories to word games and puzzles as a diversion.

Essay Topic 3

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "How I Would Write a Murder Mystery". This is strictly an opinion piece in which you define how you would set up the murder, complicate the plot, and resolve the situation.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 742 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample