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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. How do the parishioners react to Allegra's suggestion?

2. Who is Mrs. Jubbs?

3. What does Helena ask Mildred to do via a phone call?

4. What does Everard warn Mildred of about his mother?

5. What does Mrs. Bone tolerate from her son?

Short Essay Questions

1. After speaking with Miss Clovis, what does Mildred discuss with Winifred?

2. Describe Mildred's dinner with Everard's mother.

3. What does Allegra suggest over lunch and how does Mildred react?

4. What does Julian announce when he arrives at Mildred's apartment?

5. What argument does Allegra and Winifred have in regards to flowers?

6. What does Mildred find upon her return from the dinner with Everard, and why is the situation as it is?

7. What does Miss Clovis have to say about Rocky?

8. What does Allegra tell Mildred while they are having lunch?

9. For their annual holiday, where do Mildred and Dora go and what do they do?

10. What does Mildred do when she finds herself attracted to Rocky?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the title of the novel. Who are "excellent women"? What are they known for? Who are excellent women in the novel? Is this a derogatory term or a title to wear with pride?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author Barbara Pym. What genre of novel does she usually write? Does Excellent Women have anything in common with Pym's other work? Is Pym a respected writer in her field? Are there any elements of her background found in the novel Excellent Women?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss marriage in Excellent Women. How is marriage viewed by the characters in the novel. What does marriage have to do with the issues that Mildred faces? What are Mildred's views on marriage? How does the author portray marriage in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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