The Death of the Heart Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

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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 is the relationship between Dickie and Daphne?

2. Where did Mr. Quayne meet Irene?

3. Thomas states that people are "minor in everything but" what?

4. Whom does Anna run into as she is hailing a taxi?

5. Why is Anna upset about Portia's distress in part 1, chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Anna and Thomas decide not to have any children?

2. How does Anna know Mrs. Heccomb?

3. What does Dickie tell Portia before she leaves Waikiki?

4. What does Anna think caused Portia to want not to come home?

5. What is contained in the first three letters Portia receives from London?

6. What does Thomas wonder when Major Brutt visits?

7. What do Portia and Lilian talk about during school lunch in chapter 4?

8. Why is Anna avoiding going home?

9. Why does Portia have to go stay on the coast in spring?

10. What happens when Portia comes home early unexpectedly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Portia has many weaknesses; her insecurity, her eerie silence, et cetera. Choose one of these weaknesses, and examine how it might have contributed to her poor relationship with Eddie. After the relationship with Eddie came to an end, was this facet of her character improved, or worsened? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

It is St. Quentin's words about trust and honor that lead to the conversation which results, ultimately, in the end of Portia and Eddie's relationship. Why might St. Quentin's words have bothered her so much, when none of the other warnings she received had the same effect? Do you think that earlier in the novel, before all of the problems that Portia and Eddie had, that his words would have had the same effect on her? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Bowen utilizes many different literary devices throughout the course of the novel. Choose one of these devices, and examine Bowen's usage throughout the novel. How effective is Bowen's employment of this device? Are there any ways in which her usage of it could have been more effective? If so, how? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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This section contains 739 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample