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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. Who does Lord Peter suggest as a substitute change-ringer for Will Thoday in the church's ceremony?

2. How does Jean Legros get his name?

3. Who is the Duke of Denver?

4. Why does Mrs. Venables think the dead man is married?

5. How much money does Will Thoday withdraw from the bank on New Year's Eve?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Mrs. Gates unhappy with Mrs. Coppins over a wreath?

2. Who is Potty Peake and how reliable is his testimony considered?

3. What clue does Jeff Deacon give Nobby Cranton about the location of the stolen emeralds and how does Cranton initially interpret the clue?

4. Why does Sir Henry Thorpe end up broke due to the theft of Lady Wilbraham's emerald necklace?

5. Why is Lady Thorpe's grave reopened and what do Harry Gotobed and his son find inside the grave when they reopen it?

6. Why does Nobby Cranton return to Fenchurch St. Paul after his release from prison?

7. What educational and career plans does Hilary Thorpe express to her father before he dies?

8. What does Mrs. Venables deduce about the mysterious male corpse in Lady Thorpe's grave when she sees his French underclothes?

9. Why does Lord Peter end up going to France to make inquiries about Paul Taylor instead of Superintendent Blundell or the Chief Constable?

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

The novel contains a number of instances of irony. Cite at least three examples of irony in the book and discuss what you think the author intends to convey with each example.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the subplots in the novel. Explain how each subplot relates to the main plot and how it contributes to characterization in the novel. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Several people in The Nine Tailors turn out not to be who or what they initially seem. Discuss the novel's motif of hidden identities and public masques. Cite examples form the text to support your arguments.

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