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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. Why does Rennett cry?

2. What does Flora do with the help of Mrs. Beetle?

3. About what does Reuben worry?

4. Who is next on Flora's agenda to be fixed?

5. Where is Seth going?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the parallel between Flora and Mr. Neck?

2. How do you think Flora is feeling by the end of the wedding?

3. Describe Aunt Ada Doom's appearance and behavior in the downstairs when Flora and the others walk in after the ball.

4. What does Flora give Elfine to help her and do you think it will?

5. What does Dr. Mudel suggest to "fix" Judith Starkadder and what do you think is Judith's fixation that is causing problems?

6. How do you think the situation with Flora and the bull is symbolic of Flora with the lives of the Starkadders?

7. What is ironic about the scene with Urk and Miriam?

8. What does Aunt Ada Doom want on the morning of Elfine's wedding and what might her request symbolize?

9. Whose perspective does chapter 14 begin with and what may it portend?

10. What does Harkaway tell Flora and what is her response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The setting for this novel is primarily around Sussex, England, in the 1930s. Discuss the following:

1. Research the setting of Sussex and write a brief description of the area, its climate, the primary means of livelihood, and its location within the island of Britain.

2. Do you think Sussex is a good choice for the setting of this novel? Why or why not?

4. How different do you think the Sussex of the 1930's is from the Sussex of today? Explain some differences and similarities.

5. Examine three scenes in the novel and explain how the setting influences what happens in the action of those scenes.

Essay Topic 2

The story is set in motion as Flora makes up her mind to stay with the relatives on Cold Comfort Farm. There is a mystery alluded to, which the author never solves--that of a debt owed to the daughter of Richard Poste. There is also a rather melodramatic statement that Cold Comfort Farm is doomed, as alluded to in the post card Flora receives from an unknown writer. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Why is Cold Comfort Farm doomed and does that change? Use specific examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What is the mystery about Flora Poste's father? Is the mystery solved to your satisfaction? If not, do you think the book is flawed because of this? Why do you think the author chooses not to totally solve the mystery?

3. Do the first two chapters make you want to continue reading the book? Why or why not? From what you learn in the first couple chapters, does the rest of the book seem to make sense? What does not fulfill your original expectations after reading the first two chapters? Does this have any effect on your overall satisfaction with the book?

Essay Topic 3

There are several other important themes in COLD COMFORT FARM. Discuss one of the following:

1. Discuss the theme of self-determination. Give clear and detailed examples.

2. Discuss the theme of rural life versus urban life. Give clear and detailed examples.

3. Discuss the theme of manipulation. Give clear and detailed examples.

(see the answer keys)

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