The Westing Game Questions Ch 1-8

Questions and Answers

What was unusual about Sunset Towers?

They faced west and the sun set in the east

They faced east and the sun set in the west (correct)

They had no windows

They were built on a cliff

There was no such person as Barney Northrup.

True

What did Barney Northrup say that caused Jake to wonder?

That the rent on this apartment would cost him less than the upkeep on his older home.

Where was Sydelle Pulaski directing a suspicious stare?

At the Westing mansion on the north cliff. Signup and view all the answers

How did Barney finally convince Sydelle to take the apartment?

He told her that there were 20 people begging for the place. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Barney could be described as a good salesman.

He rented out all the apartments in one day and their names had already been printed on the mailboxes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Mr. Hoo felt about the grand opening of his restaurant.

He was disappointed as it had only 3 people in attendance. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Sandy McSouthers?

A broad, stocky doorman who had previously been employed in the Westing papermill. Signup and view all the answers

What surprised Turtle about the Westing house?

She observed smoke rising from the chimney. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Otis Amber.

A small, wiry, 62-year-old delivery boy with gray stubble, wearing a leather aviator helmet. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the 'unfortunate fellows' of Westing Town?

Two fellows that took a bet for a dollar that they couldn't stay in the spooky Westing house for 5 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chris notice from his binoculars?

He sees someone with a limp entering the Westing house. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Angela Wexler standing on a hassock?

She is getting fit for her wedding dress by Flora, who is a dressmaker. Signup and view all the answers

What caused Angela to let out a small cry?

She was surprised to see smoke rising from the Westing house. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mrs. Wexler's relationship with her daughters.

She thinks Angela is beautiful and precious, whereas she thinks Turtle is a smart-mouth. Signup and view all the answers

Describe J.J. Ford.

A tall black woman with a touch of gray hair; the first black woman to be elected a judge in the state. Signup and view all the answers

According to Chris, what special talent did his brother Theo possess?

Making up stories. Signup and view all the answers

What was in the long package that Sydelle was carrying?

Crutches. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Doug Hoo stationed outside the Westing house?

He was the timekeeper in the dare; he was tracking how long Turtle would stay in the Westing house. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Turtle have her mother's silver cross in her pocket?

She believed there might be vampires in the Westing house. Signup and view all the answers

Why had Turtle carried a billiard cue upstairs?

To use it as a weapon to defend herself, if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What did Turtle encounter when entering the Westing house?

A corpse believed to be that of Sam Westing. Signup and view all the answers

Why were 16 people asked to go to the south library of the Westing house?

They would be named as beneficiaries in the estate of Sam Westing and were asked to attend the reading of the will. Signup and view all the answers

Who was greeting the beneficiaries at the Westing mansion?

Crow, the Sunset Towers cleaning woman. Signup and view all the answers

What was Turtle startled by when she looked in the coffin?

Because the body was wearing an Uncle Sam costume and her mother's silver cross was in the coffin. Signup and view all the answers

What is Denton Dee's diagnosis of Chris?

That he suffers from 'pyramidal tract involvement'. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Judge Ford surprised to see E.J. Plum in charge of the Westing estate?

She thinks he is incompetent and is surprised he was chosen to read the will. Signup and view all the answers

What did the design on Sydelle Pulaski's dress remind Turtle of?

Purple waves and how one of the 'unfortunate fellows' was babbling about purple waves. Signup and view all the answers

When the will is first read, why are those present shocked to hear the words 'my 16 nieces and nephews'?

Because those present didn't believe they were even related to Sam Westing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second important piece of information revealed during the reading of the will?

Sam Westing accuses one of the 16 heirs as being his murderer. Signup and view all the answers

What must the potential beneficiaries do if they wish to 'strike it rich'?

They must agree to play the Westing game. Signup and view all the answers

What was the object of the Westing game?

To win! Signup and view all the answers

Why was Chris happy to be selected to play?

He was finally included and part of the outside world, plus he thought it was more exciting than watching TV. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bertha Crow shriek?

E.J. Plum steps on her sore toe. Signup and view all the answers

After the reading of the will, what did the tenants wake to the following morning?

15 foot snowdrifts, as there was a snowstorm during the night. Signup and view all the answers

How was Turtle able to profit from the snowstorm?

She sold her homemade candles for $5 a piece. Signup and view all the answers

What does J.J. Ford want to do just once?

To beat Sam Westing at his own game. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Sydelle Pulaski upset when she discovers her notebook is missing?

She took notes during the reading of the will and was hoping her notes would help her solve the clues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sunset Towers

Sunset Towers is notable for facing east, contrary to typical buildings that face west where the sun sets.
All the apartment names were pre-printed on mailboxes, suggesting an unusual foresight.

Barney Northrup

Barney Northrup is a fictional character; he does not actually exist, raising suspicion about his role.
He successfully convinces Jake Wexler of low rent based on knowledge about his home upkeep.

Characters and Relationships

Sydelle Pulaski is depicted directing a suspicious stare at the abandoned Westing Mansion.
Angela Wexler feels vulnerable while being fitted for her wedding dress by Flora; her mother adores her beauty while criticizing her sister Turtle.
J.J. Ford, a pioneering black judge, is introduced as a determined character wishing to outsmart Sam Westing.

Westing House

The Westing House has been uninhabited for 15 years, creating an aura of mystery.
Turtle Wexler is intrigued by smoke from the chimney, indicating potential life inside the supposedly abandoned house.

The Dare and the Event

A dare involving two unfortunate fellows from Westing Town results in panic; one suffers an injury, while the other is hospitalized.
The atmosphere intensifies as 16 people are summoned to the Westing mansion for will reading, igniting excitement and suspicion.

The Will

During the will reading, shock arises as Sam Westing claims "my 16 nieces and nephews," leading to disbelief among the heirs.
A crucial piece of information accuses one heir of being the murderer, establishing tension for the upcoming Westing game.

The Westing Game

Participants are challenged to engage in the Westing game to win a potential fortune, creating a sense of urgency and competition.
Chris Wexler is thrilled to join, feeling connected to the outside world for the first time.

Miscellaneous Details

The next morning after the will reading, residents encounter unexpected 15-foot snowdrifts, resulting from a heavy snowstorm.
Turtle capitalizes on the snowstorm by selling homemade candles, showcasing her resourcefulness.
Sydelle Pulaski's distress over a missing notebook emphasizes her desire to solve the mystery using her notes from the will reading.

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Test your knowledge of the first eight chapters of 'The Westing Game' with these flashcard questions. Dive into the mystery and uncover the unusual characters and settings introduced in the story. Perfect for reviewing key details and enhancing your understanding of the plot.