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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. According to the will, Mrs. Croft has performed a(n) _______ for Nick's father.

2. What word would Poirot use to describe Nick's lifestyle?

3. How does Nick refer to Ellen's child?

4. What type of flowers had been sent previously by Poirot?

5. Who is Freddie and Nick's drug dealer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the meeting between Poirot, Hastings and Inspector Japp.

2. List at least some of the questions Poirot has about the people on the list.

3. What is contained in the letter sent to Poirot from Maggie's mother?

4. What does Poirot learn when questioning Vyse, Ellen and the Crofts about the missing will?

5. Explain the scene with the Crofts at this time.

6. Explain Hastings' role at this time.

7. What happens to the face in the window?

8. What does Poirot learn about the will during the next visit to see Nick?

9. Explain at least some of Nick's efforts to cast suspicion on one of the others in Maggie's murder as well as her own attempted murder.

10. Discuss the scene in which Vyse reads Nick's will.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hercule Poirot is a well known detective. Examine Poirot's experience and credibility. Why do people listen to Poirot over local police? How did Poirot gain his reputation? What does Poirot get out of helping to solve cases? Is there a chance of accolades, awards or monetary compensation? Explain. Why do you think Poirot is reluctant to come out of retirement? What type of job was offered to Poirot shortly before he and Hastings traveled to St. Loo? What would you do in Poirot's shoes - accept the prestigious assignment or stay retired? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the arrival of Poirot and Hastings at the Majestic Hotel in St. Loo. Why are the men in St. Loo? is it for business or pleasure? Why does Hastings see the trip as an opportunity to try to convince Poirot to come out of retirement? Why does Hastings want Poirot to go back to work? What occasion almost tempted Poirot to return to law enforcement? What type of work did Poirot do within the law enforcement community? What changes Poirot's mind about his retirement?

Essay Topic 3

Captain Hastings is a staple in many of Agatha Christie's stories in the Poirot series. What is the history of Captain Hastings? How does he know Poirot? In what capacity can Hastings call himself a captain? What is Hastings' profession? What benefit is there to having Hastings in the story from Christie's point of view? What benefit is there to having Hastings in the story from Poirot's point of view? Name and describe at least three instances where Hastings' presence is invaluable to Poirot. How might Poirot have solved the cases without the help of Hastings? Who else serves in the same capacity as the captain?

(see the answer keys)

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