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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 Qwilleran first try to discover who the drug dealer is?

2. Who does Qwilleran take on a search of his building?

3. What device does Mary bring Qwilleran to help his injured knee?

4. What does Qwilleran learn Russell's roommate actually does?

5. Who is Russell Patch's roommate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Mrs. McGuffey give Qwilleran about the Cobb house?

2. After going to the Garrick Theatre with Ben, what does Qwilleran observe at the bar called The Lion's Tail?

3. What is the significance of the surprise visitor to Iris's shop while Qwilleran is taking his turn managing it?

4. Why does Qwilleran finally get around to hanging the Mackintosh coat of arms, and who comes to help him do it?

5. How does Koko inadvertently solve the mystery?

6. What other mystery does Koko uncover at the end of the novel?

7. Why does Qwilleran leash Koko and take him of a tour of the Cobb building?

8. What amusing information does Cluthra provide when Qwilleran goes to visit her?

9. How does Braun draw out the suspense with Qwilleran's reading of Andy's manuscript?

10. How does Qwilleran mistake the source of the things Koko brings to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on the topic, "I Believe that the Novel Would [or Would Not] Make a Good Movie". Express your opinion as to (1) whether a movie of the novel would have enough action to make it good, (2) how difficult or easy would it be to maintain suspense in a screenplay, and (3) what would be the most difficult part about filming the story? [Hint: Getting cats to do what you want them to do.]

Essay Topic 2

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "Why I Like [or Don't Like] Mystery Novels". This is an opinion piece. It calls for you to give detailed reasons for your choice. It raises questions about the literary value of a mystery novel that you should express your opinion on. Your essay will be evaluated on the strength of your arguments and the way you express them.

Essay Topic 3

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "How to Look for Clues in a Mystery Novel". Using examples from the novel, discuss (1) how important clues such as the pot bellied stove are introduced in a trivial manner, (2) how to spot red herrings like Mary's disturbing phone calls, and (3) how to formulate theories in the same manner the detectives in the novel do.

(see the answer keys)

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