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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. According to Emily, ________ paying for Robbie's education is unfair to Leon and the girls.

2. Who does Briony say is the attack of the answer to #151?

3. Who is now a probationary nurse at the start of 1940 in this section of the book?

4. What does Briony want to ask Marshall about, as she says a cowardly way to go about her plans?

5. Who calls for Briony to help her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has happened to Lola, according to Briony?

2. What does Emily think her husband will do soon?

3. Where does Cecilia run off to in order to be free of her mother?

4. What is hanging high up in a tree above the three stragglers from the retreating British army?

5. What does Leon have to say about England in hot weather?

6. What does Briony think Cecilia is telling Leon when Briony sees them walking together a distance away?

7. How does Cecilia react to Robbie's apology to her about the note?

8. What does Briony picture has happened to the twins?

9. What has been haunting Emily lately?

10. Why is Betty furious with Emily?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lies seem to be pervasive in this story, but they seem to be taken as truths or at least ignored for the sake of those involved.

Part 1: What is the lie that Mr. Tallis tells again and again?

Part 2: Why does Emily believe her husband's stories, or at least, why does she live with the lies?

Part 3: What are other lies that are told in this story, other than the one Briony tells about Robbie and Lola? What do these lies do to the characters and to the action of the story?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of atonement is not a surprising theme, given the title of the book.

Part 1: Who is the character that decides he/she needs to atone for his/her sins?

Part 2: Why does this character feel the way he/she does?

Part 3: Do you think this character is genuine in his/her desire to make things right? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Briony sticks to her story about Robbie and Lola, even though it's clear to the reader this might not be the right story.

Part 1: What does Briony think happened between Lola and Robbie?

Part 2: What does Lola think happened during this event?

Part 3: Why does Briony stick to her story? What might her motivations be? What might Briony gain from telling the story she tells to the police?

(see the answer keys)

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