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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. How does Walter find out about his shooting?

2. What does Lola vow to do?

3. What does Walter learn about Mr. Sanchetti?

4. Who visits Walter at his office a week later?

5. Where is Lola living now?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lola's demeanor when she visits Walter at his office a week later.

2. What reinforces Lola's love for Sachetti?

3. What does Keyes tell Walter to get him to start thinking about confessing to Nirdlinger's murder?

4. What transpires when Keyes returns to Walter's hospital room later that night?

5. What is Keyes' position on the accident?

6. What are the details of Walter's plan to kill Phyllis?

7. What is Walter's main concern after he tells Keyes about killing Nirdlinger?

8. What is the symbolism of the moon at the end of the story?

9. What is the news about the murder in the paper the next morning?

10. What precipitates Walter's plan to kill Phyllis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the point of view in this novel. From whose perspective is the story told? Cite some examples that validate your position.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the symbolism of Walter's using the crutch to kill Mr. Nirdlinger. What does this choice show about Walter? Why did the author choose the crutch when there are so many other options available to Walter?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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