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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 beverage does Phyllis offer Walter?

2. What makes it difficult to board a train unnoticed?

3. Which method do Walter and Phyllis decide for the murder?

4. Who pays Mr. Nirdlinger's auto insurance?

5. At what time is Mr. Nirdlinger's train scheduled to leave?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the happy accident that befalls Mr. Nirdlinger?

2. Who is Keyes?

3. How does Walter answer Phyllis regarding accident policies?

4. What is Walter's response to Phyllis' request for an accident policty on her husband?

5. What does Walter do when he returns home after the murder?

6. Why does Walter start to panic after he jumps off the train?

7. What is the next step in Walter and Phyllis' plan after the murder?

8. From what point of view is this story told?

9. What precipitates Walter's meeting Phyllis Nirdlinger?

10. What is Walter's second main concern related to the murder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Phyllis' personal history. What else is in her background that shows an evil character? Why does she behave the way she does?

Essay Topic 2

The story is written in a style called noir fiction for which Cain is famous. Explain the concept of noir fiction and cite some examples to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Phyllis is the epitome of a femme fatale. Explain what this means and cite examples that validate this description of Phyllis.

(see the answer keys)

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