Witness for the Prosecution

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the story over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The jury’s verdict is a high point of suspense in the story.

• What is the jury’s verdict? (topic sentence)
• Based on the trial evidence, do you think this verdict is fair and justified? Explain your reasoning in several points of detail.
• Conclude with a statement that explains, had you been a juror on the trial, how you might have persuaded other jurors to vote as you did.

2. Consider the irony that someone as adept at reading people as Mayherne is fooled by Romaine when she is pretending to be Mrs. Mogson.

• Why does Mayherne fall for Romaine’s disguise as Mrs. Mogson? (topic sentence)
• Why is it surprising that Mayherne would fall for the disguise? Incorporate details from the story in your explanation.
• Conclude with a brief summary of the way in which Christie uses this moment to portray a theme.

3. Consider Leonard Vole’s character traits and actions.

• How does your perception of Leonard Vole change throughout the story? (topic sentence)
• What techniques does the author use to develop Leonard’s character? Select 3 characterization methods or details and incorporate examples from the story in your discussion.
• Conclude with a commentary regarding the author’s purpose in manipulating reader perception of Leonard.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least 3 main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In its original form, “The Witness for the Prosecution” is generally acknowledged as one of Christie’s best short works and, like most of her stories, is best described as a mystery. Do you consider it a quintessential example of the genre, or does it stand apart from traditional mysteries as an anomaly or outlier? Cite excerpts from the story to justify your response; if you use secondary sources from contextual or pre-reading activities, be sure to cite those as well.

2. Which character in “The Witness for the Prosecution” is most complex or fully developed? In your essay, include at least 1 other character to formulate contrast. Use passages from the text to support your answer.

3. Why does Mayherne continue to believe that Leonard is innocent, even though he has his doubts as the evidence piles up? What does Mayherne’s willful belief signify about his character? In your essay, include evidence from the text that shows how Mayherne actively chooses to believe Leonard. Altogether, what does this reveal about Mayherne as a judge of character?