View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do the investigators believe Narracott checked on the island even though he was instructed not to?

2. What did the General do that appalled Emily?

3. Who does Vera suspect the most?

4. What does Vera smell when she goes into her room?

5. Why does Wargrave think all doctors are the same?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vera find when she returns to her room?

2. Who is given the keys to the silver chest?

3. What makes Vera feel relief?

4. What is in Armstrong's medical case?

5. What does Armstrong say about Emily's strength?

6. What is the Judge's appearance when he is found dead?

7. Why does Blore bring everybody outside?

8. Describe Blore's appearance.

9. Why does Lombard believe that he will survive and Blore won't?

10. How does Emily interpret the poem's reference to a "red herring?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Besides the killer, the other "antagonist" in the novel can be seen as people's consciences. Explain how each character's conscience or perception of guilt affects them. Select two or three characters to analyze.

Essay Topic 2

This novel has no clear "hero" or protagonist. Select two or three characters that you think best fill the role of "hero" and explain why. Explain why you think Christie decided to tell this tale without a heroic detective who "saves the day."

Essay Topic 3

Who is really in control in the novel: the characters or the murderer? At the end, it is Vera's choice to kill Lombard or the has her free will been eroded by the psychological torture of Wargrave?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 656 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample