Chapters 1-5

Reading Check

1. Sunset Towers (Chapter 1)

2. To Westing house (Chapter 4)

3. Sam Westing is dead (Chapter 4)

Short Answer

1. The Westing house can be seen from the Sunset Towers, the location where the residents in the novel live. Fantastic rumors circulate Sunset Towers about the Westing house and its owner. Some say he was killed and continues to decompose in the building, while others believe Old Man Westing lives on a private island. It is said a couple of kids entered the Westing house on a dare and came out screaming. All one could repeat was the phrase “purple waves” while blood dripped from his hands, and the other fell off a cliff. The rumors create intrigue among the residents, and they warily watch the smoke and, on occasion, people wander into the mansion. (Various chapters)

2. Turtle, who suspects her mother doesn’t like her, antagonizes her sister and mother often. She criticizes her sister and mocks her sister’s fiancée when she sees her in her wedding gown. Dr. Wexler, Turtle’s father, notices marks on Crow’s ankles and knows they are from Turtle because she kicks the shins of people who touch her braids.