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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. Who arrives at Wally's Pub as Montgomery sits there after fleeing his crime?

2. What do the papers say Montgomery lacks when he is read his charges?

3. What does Montgomery do after tossing out his breakfast when Charlie leaves?

4. Why won't Montgomery sign the typed confession the police hand him?

5. How does Montgomery feel about his situation after Charlie leaves for work?

Short Essay Questions

1. The lawyers on both sides of Montgomery's case want to plead the case out. Montgomery believes this is to protect Charlie French and Max Molyneaux and is against the idea. Why wouldn't Montgomery want to protect these two men?

2. It is no secret that Montgomery is angry at the world and feels he is owed something. How would killing this innocent person be revenge enough on the world for his alter ego Billy Bunter or Montgomery himself?

3. As he is leaving the scene of his crime, Montgomery realizes "that the fat, foul-mouthed, inner man has burst out." What he is talking about?

4. Why does Montgomery take the time to pay attention to the details of his victim's face before hitting her with the hammer?

5. After reading the version of the confession written by the police, Montgomery says "they have made a murderer out of him." What is the irony in this statement?

6. As Charlie cooks breakfast, Montgomery says he feels a "weepy regard" for Charlie. Why would he feel this way?

7. Charlie was a dear friend of Montgomery's parents and tells Montgomery of his mother when she was younger. Charlie says that many men adored Montgomery's mother and she was a loved by all except her husband. Why would Charlie tell Montgomery this?

8. What do the mites Montgomery says are living on his skin symbolize?

9. Montgomery jokes around when he is arrested, but feels intimidated by being confined in possession of the police. What are Montgomery's values?

10. How is Montgomery foreshadowing his guilt by saying he had been "unknowingly leaving behind a trail of evidence rather than his troubles" as he leaves the village?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Foreshadowing is an effective tool used by the writer. Montgomery foreshadows his crime and punishment in several areas of the novel. What are some examples of foreshadowing in the novel? How is foreshadowing effectively used in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Family is a recurring topic in the novel. How does Montgomery feel about family? What are his feelings towards his parents, wife and son? Does Montgomery feel any remorse for the family of the girl he killed? Why does Montgomery feel this way towards the concept of family? How is this important to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Montgomery is a very self-centered individual and this trait is a major theme of the novel. How does being self centered affect his case? How does this behavior affect others around Montgomery? Why is the idea of self-centeredness such a crucial theme in the novel?

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