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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What frustrates Newland about May?

2. What does Newland do when he sees that Ellen already has a visitor?

3. In what decade does this story begin?

4. What do Newland and May do at the beginning of Chapter 10?

5. How does May react to Newland's request?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Newland feel about Ellen's rumored involvement with her husband's secretary?

2. On what issue does Newland ask May to violate social norms?

3. What convinces May that Newland really does want to marry her?

4. How does Newland perceive his role as May's future husband?

5. What is the reason for the Wellands' annual trip to Florida?

6. What does Ellen do to create some drama in her relationship with Newland?

7. What is the turning point of the book as exhibited in Chapter 19?

8. How do Newland and Ellen finally reveal their true feelings for each other?

9. Explain Newland's conflict in being asked to handle Ellen's divorce?

10. Who is Ellen Olenska?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Newland think it is critical to announce his and May's engagement at the Beauforts' ball? What has happened to make the timing so critical? Does Ellen agree?

Essay Topic 2

The story takes place in the early 1870s in New York City. Explain why the story could not have taken place in any other setting--both time period and location.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the irony of Newland's being asked to discourage Ellen from seeking a divorce. How does he handle the situation at first? What are his true feelings about Ellen's divorce proceedings?

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