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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. The story of the Western Star most likely originated in which country?

2. Who is the character seen out of the hotel window?

3. What is the name of the murdered person?

4. What is the name of the hotel where Poirot and his companion meet the husband?

5. Who were the previous tenants of the cheap flat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the point of the empty package? Who perpetrated the hoax?

2. What event traumatizes Mrs. Maltraverse? What happens shortly after the event takes place?

3. Who visits Hastings in Poirot's absence? What is strange about the encounter?

4. What disturbing news does Poirot receive regarding a theft? Who is the main suspect?

5. Why were the Robinsons considered to be perfect as the new tenants?

6. What event causes an uproar during the dinner at Marsdon Manor? Who informs the diners of the disturbance?

7. Who finds out about the cheap flat? Who supplies the information? Who is it rented to? Where is it located?

8. What item is in the possession of Lady Yardly and how does it relate to Miss Marvell's item?

9. What happens when the police attempt to find the housekeeper? What is Poirot's conclusion?

10. Who is the character that approaches Poirot and Hastings in the beginning of the story? How is the woman described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb," five characters die due to unusual circumstances. Investigate how each person died, the cause behind the death, and the purpose. How would one be able to tell how the person died? Compare and contrast methods used during Poirot's time to modern science in which toxicology and other forensic methods are used to determine cause of death and types of poisons used.

Essay Topic 2

Personification is a powerful way to make objects come alive and play important parts in the story. For example, the diamonds in "The Adventure of the Western Star" are personified to make the story more interesting. Examine how this technique was used in this particular story. What was the purpose of using the technique in that way? In what other ways does Christie use personification? Give at least three examples of personification and how its use drives the plot of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Symbolism is an important part of a mystery, often giving clues to the reader and the story's detective. What are the ways in which Christie uses symbolism in her stories? Give examples of blatant symbolism, such as the key in "The Case of the Missing Will" and more subtle symbolism. Compare and contrast the symbolism used in the Hercule Poirot mysteries and the mysteries in which Miss Marple is the sleuth.

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This section contains 809 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample