4.14.W - Lesson: "How to Write a Detective Story," G. K. Chesterton

Who is Merryweather?

the bank director

By observing a tattoo and a coin, Mr. Holmes knows that Mr. Wilson has visited which country?

China

Who is the narrator of "The Red-Headed League?"

Dr. Watson

What does the conclusion of The Red-Headed League teach readers about truth and consequences? Please write one fully developed paragraph (at least 4-5 sentences). Be sure to give details from the story (without looking at the text or notes) to support your answer.

Example: The conclusion of The Red-Headed League teach readers about telling the truth all the time and to never hide anything. It also teaches the reader that there are always consequences for your actions, even if they're bad or good.

What does the bank have that makes it attractive to thieves?

French gold

Why did Wilson hire Vincent Spaulding in particular as an assistant?

He would work for half wages.

How does Mr. Holmes know that Mr. Wilson has done manual labor?

His right hand is larger than his left hand.

Why does Holmes enjoy taking on Wilson's case?

It's unsual

A diversion intended to distract attention from the real clues is called what?

Red Herring

Who tells Mr. Wilson about the ad concerning a vacancy in the Red-Headed League?

Vincent Spaulding

Which choice is the atmosphere surrounding Holmes and Watson as they wait for the robber to appear?

dark and gloomy

Choose the correct pair of words that completes the following sentence. Be sure to pay attention to the order of the words (the first word corresponds to the first blank, etc.). According to Chesterton, the aim of a mystery story is not ______________ but _____________.

darkness, light

"The Red-Headed League" is considered a __________ mystery.

fair-play

A ______________ is a recollection or retelling of events that happened before the main storyline.

flashback

Which is the purpose of The Red-Headed League hiring Wilson?

to get him out of the house so a tunnel could be dug

Why does Holmes want to see Vincent Spaulding?

to see the knees of Spaulding's trousers

Which choice is Mr. Wilson's duty for the Red-Headed League?

to stay in the office and copy out the Encyclopaedia Britannica