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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 does Peter's assistant find on the floor in the science lab?

2. What is the age difference between Pomfret and Harriet?

3. What does Harriet put on before going to Miss de Vine's room?

4. With whom is Peter having lunch on Monday?

5. Who once told Harriet that not verifying a source can lead to kidnapping?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Peter suggest that Harriet alter her novel?

2. Why does Harriet contact Peter in Chapter 13?

3. How is Harriet attacked?

4. What does Peter say about the mystery when Harriet shows him her notes at the river?

5. Why is Harriet suspicious of Miss Hillyard at the end of Chapter 18?

6. Why does Harriet not return to Shrewsbury as soon as the Warden's maid calls her?

7. Why does Harriet go to Miss de Vine's room in Chapter 21?

8. Why does Peter not tell the Warden the name of his suspect?

9. How do Harriet and Peter examine the science lab?

10. Why does Miss de Vine have a heart attack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The issue of women's education versus domesticity occurs frequently in Gaudy Night. Even Harriet is at one time disposed to believe that the culprit is one of the female dons who has gone mad from learning and suppressed sexual desires. How is it ironic that Annie, a married uneducated women, is the mad culprit? Is Dorothy Sayers conveying a message through this? In your answer, consider the author's own life experience.

Essay Topic 2

During her first visit Oxford, Harriet discovers a crude drawing. Answer the following questions.

1) What is on the drawing?

2) Having finished reading the book, how does this drawing show the motive of the culprit?

3) How does the timing of this incident point to the culprit?

Essay Topic 3

At various times during the book, different members of the college are under suspicion. Choose two of these members. Explain their possible motives and reasons for them being under suspicion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample