Study Guide for “The Westing Game”

  1. How would you describe turtle’s character? She is kind and caring
  2. For what purpose were the tenants of Sunset Towers asked to go to Westing’s mansion?For the reading of the will
  3. What were all the tenants surprised to see coming from the Westing mansion? Explain why this was unusual.Smoke and it was unusual because no one lived there
  4. Why did Otis Amber, the delivery boy, dance a merry jig? You will find this in the earlier chapters.He was partnered with Crow
  5. What evidence supports why Mr. Hoo hated Sam Westing?He blamed him for stealing his paper diaper invention ; he was pleased he was “dead”
  6. What did Turtle and Flora do with their $10,000 and why?They invested in the stock market
  7. Why did Grace Wexler feel she lost $5,000?Jake didn’t attend the reading of the will , so he couldn’t play the game.
  8. What did Angela Wexler say her position was that Dr. Deere thought was confusing?None ; Dr. Deere thought she meant nun
  9. For what purpose did Sydelle write her shorthand notes in Polish? To keep them a secret
  10. What does it say about Angela that she didn’t tell Sydelle what the doctor’s report said?She too was a kind and caring individual
  11. Why does Angela think Turtle is lucky?Turtle is lucky because she can get away with more than Angela can
  12. Describe the details of when the first bomb exploded.Theodorakis’s coffee shop; Mrs Theodorakis was covered in tomato sauce.
  13. Explain the details of when the second bomb went off.Bomb went off in Mr. Hoos restaurant and Sydelle Pulaski broke her ankle
  14. Yes, and now explain the details of the third bombing. The bomb went off at Angela’s wedding shower. The bomb/firework was in a gift that Angela grabbed from Turtle; Angela received a gash in her face
  15. What were some clues that suggested Angela may be the bomber?She was very upset that Sydelle was hurt, her reaction to Turtles opening the box
  16. Why does Denton Deere want to help Chris; how did his feelings change from the beginning?He wanted his clues, but he came to care for Chris
  17. What evidence was revealed that stated Bertha Crow was related to Sam Westing?She was married to a Windy Windkloppel which was Sam Westings real name
  18. Why was Theo experimenting with fertilizer and what was the end result?He thought the clues equaled this lab experiment, however it exploded and he was injured.
  19. What was the connection between J.J. Ford and Sam Westing? Her mother was his maid and she lived there until she was sent to boarding school.
  20. Why did Sam Westing hold a grudge over his ex-wife?He blamed her for the death of their daughter Violet
  21. What do the missing letters in the clue spell out?Bertha Crow
  22. Why does Crow give half of her money to Otis Amber? So that he can give it to the soup kitchen
  23. Who was the thief and what was their motivation?Mrs. Hoo stole so she could sell items to afford a ticket to China
  24. What couple gets married in Mr. Hoo’s restaurant why was this sight chosen?Crow and Otis; Grace was trying to fancy up the restaurants.
  25. What happens to Sunset Towers?Each heir received partial ownership
  26. Why did Judge Ford have a debt to pay; what reason did Sam Westing have for giving her money? Judge Ford’s legal education was paid for by Sam Westing; he thought it would give him an advantage during legal battles.
  27. How did Angela evolve throughout the story? Give some examples.At first very meek , easily taken advantage of, over time she becomes more assertive, breaks up with Deere and becomes a doctor herself.
  28. Turtle lied about knowing what happened to Otis Amber; why?She didn’t know about him
  29. What did Eastman reveal about Angela that surprises Turtle?That he knew she was the bomber
  30. What was the relationship between Dr. Sikes and Sam Westing? They were good friends and Sikes created the lies with Westing in order to pull off Sandy and Sam’s deaths
  31. Explain why sydelle Pulaski was the mistake? The person who should have been there was Sybil Pulaski a friend of Bertha Crow.
  32. What was the name given to Angela’s child? Why?Alice, because Turtle really liked that name
  33. How and why did Turtle become the winner of the inheritance?She realized that Sandy, Sam , Northrupt and Eastman were all the same person
  34. What identity did Samuel Westing finally take? Julian Eastman; he was the head of Westing paper products.
  35. Which heir knew Sam Westings true identity?Turtle was the only one who knew the truth.