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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 does Stephen Driver ask the Wilderspins about in addition to a job?

2. From what illness does Nobby Cranton suffer?

3. With what London jewel thief does Jeff Deacon steal Mrs. Wilbraham's emeralds?

4. What is the weather like in the opening chapter of the book?

5. Who is the first character introduced in the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the funeral for the unidentified male corpse from Lady Thorpe's grave, what questions does Lord Peter ask himself about the corpse's death?

2. Why do the police believe Jeff Deacon is dead?

3. Who does Potty Peake's claim to have seen in the church with Legros, and what does his claim imply and how reliable is it considered?

4. What is the relationship between Lord Peter and Bunter?

5. How does Nobby Cranton react when Lord Peter shows him the cipher written on French paper and what does his reaction indicate?

6. What effect does World War I have on the Legros farm in France?

7. What story does Jenkins tell Lord Peter about a stolen emerald necklace?

8. What circumstance brings Lord Peter Wimsey to Fenchurch St. Paul?

9. How does Reverend Venables help Lord Peter solve the cipher?

10. What does Lord Peter fish out of the churchyard well and how do these items relate to the murder of the unidentified corpse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast any three female characters in the novel. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The bells in Reverend Venables' church are considered holy, and sinners are reported to fear them. Discuss the symbolism of the bells and the concept of sacredness in the novel. What do you think the author intends to convey through the use of the bells as sacred objects and how does the manner of Deacon's death fit this purpose? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the following secondary characters in the novel: Reverend Venables, Bunter and Hilary Thorpe. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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