View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When was the last time the narrator can remember seeing Fanshawe?
(a) The day Fanshawe's father died.
(b) The day Fanshawe was married.
(c) The day Fanshawe graduated from college.
(d) The day Fanshawe's first child was born.

2. What does Blue find when he opens the door to Black's apartment after Black tells him to come in?
(a) Black sitting at his computer, writing.
(b) Black wearing the Halloween mask, pointing a gun at him.
(c) Black sitting on the toliet, reading a magazine.
(d) Black sitting at the table, eating.

3. On what occasion does the sexual relationship between the narrator and Sophie Fanshawe begin?
(a) On the day that Fanshawe's work is accepted by the publisher.
(b) On the narrator's birthday.
(c) On the day that they meet to discuss Fanshawe's work for the first time.
(d) On Sophie Fanshawe's birthday.

4. What project does Stuart Green propose the narrator undertake?
(a) To write a work of literary criticism about Fanshawe's work.
(b) To edit a collection of Fanshawe's personal correspondence.
(c) To write a biography of Fanshawe.
(d) To write a novel.

5. How will Blue be paid for his work?
(a) Direct deposit.
(b) A check in the mail.
(c) Paid up front.
(d) Upon completion of the assignment.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Fanshawe's letters, what was the hardest but most interesting job he had on the ship?

2. To whom does Blue write a letter about the case asking for advice?

3. Where does Blue read about Gold and the case of the murdered child?

4. What does Black tell Blue that he thinks the man he is observing is writing?

5. From where was Fanshawe's letter postmarked?

Short Essay Questions

1. About what aspect of Fanshawe's writing do Sophie and Fanshawe disagree? What is the compromise that Fanshawe offers her a few months before his disappearance?

2. What aspects of Fanshawe's background could be considered possible liabilities on the ship? How does his background affect the way in which he is actually treated by his fellow shipmates?

3. What is Sophie Fanshawe's reaction to the narrator's opinion of Fanshawe's work? Why does the narrator assume that she reacts in this way?

4. In the early period of the case, what two extreme attitudes does Blue experience? How does each of these extreme conditions make him feel?

5. What event does Blue leave out of his report that elicits a response from White? What is White's response and what conclusion does Blue draw from this?

6. When Blue receives his first payment from White, why is he surprised and then disappointed? What was he expecting?

7. What is Jane Fanshawe's critique of her son? How does she describe the relationship between Fanshawe and his parents?

8. According to the narrator's recollection, why does Fanshawe give his birthday gift to Dennis Walden? What is the outcome and why is this incident significant for the narrator?

9. What is difficult for Blue about writing the monthly reports of Black's activities for White to read? What does he want to include in the reports to make them more truthful?

10. When Blue enters Black's apartment disguised as the Fuller Brush man, what does Black tell Blue his profession is? When Blue later breaks into Black's apartment and steals the papers from his desk, what does he find them to contain?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,062 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample