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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. In the fight between Qwilleran, what happens to prevent Ben from escaping?

2. What is Qwilleran's impression of Hollis Prantz?

3. How is the relationship between Qwilleran and Mary progressing?

4. How do the cats behave when Qwilleran and Mary almost kiss?

5. What distracts Qwilleran as he unfolds the piece of foil the cats have left for him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the evidence Qwilleran discovers outside the Ellsworth House?

2. What was C. C. supposedly looking for in the Ellsworth house?

3. What does Riker tell Qwilleran about his writing when Qwilleran drops in at the Fluxion office?

4. What arrangement does Qwilleran make with Ben Nicolas?

5. What does Qwilleran find in Nicolas's apartment after he has a meal with him?

6. After going to the Garrick Theatre with Ben, what does Qwilleran observe at the bar called The Lion's Tail?

7. Explain who Qwilleran suspects of having gone to the Ellsworth House.

8. How does Braun draw out the suspense with Qwilleran's reading of Andy's manuscript?

9. what does Qwilleran eventually learn about how Russell Patch has the money to buy all his expensive equipment?

10. Why does Qwilleran finally get around to hanging the Mackintosh coat of arms, and who comes to help him do it?

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 "Introduction of Elements Important to Solving the Mystery". In the first five chapters of the novel, several important bits of information are introduced that will later have a bearing on the solution. Include in your essay a discussion of (1) the weight of the Mackintosh Coat of Arms, (2) the pot bellied stove which seems to serve no purpose, and (3) the emphasis placed on Andy Glanz's high moral standards that are not shared by other people in Junktown.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "The Absence of Graphic Violence in Classic Murder Mystery Novels". Discuss in your essay how the actual murders are not "seen" within the classic murder mystery novel using examples from Braun's book. Define and discuss how the clues become more important in such novels than the actual crimes. Discuss how graphic violence has evolved into shock value scenes in modern TV shows and movies. Finally, give your opinion about the relative merits of each approach.

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