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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. Where is Malcolm?

2. Who dies with the person in question 163?

3. Who has committed suicide?

4. Where is Gordon headed when this chapter opens?

5. Where are Charlotte and Vinny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impressions does Isobel have about where she is at the end of this chapter?

2. What does Gordon think of Eliza, and how do Charlotte and Vinny think of her?

3. What does Isobel say about Audrey?

4. How does Violet Angela end up leaving Herbert and Maude?

5. When does Isobel awake from her coma, and what does she learn about why she is in the hospital?

6. What does Isobel experience at Hilary's party?

7. What is related about Sir Francis Fairfax and his new wife?

8. How does Maude Potter finally get a baby and what does she name the baby?

9. What is the time and purpose of this chapter?

10. What happens to Lady Margaret and Master Shakespeare?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many books are often made into a movie based upon the book. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon "Human Croquet"? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie would differ from the book? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Human Croquet" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Human Croquet"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in the book to discuss and compare Isobel's response to that of two other characters, and to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Any work of fiction has some similarities, yet the structure can engender differences. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the structure of "Human Croquet" and how it informs the plot.

2. Why do you think Atkinson chooses to structure "Human Croquet" the way she does? Give examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Many readers love novels and are indifferent to short stories, and vice versa. Discuss why you think some readers would enjoy one format over another?

4. Choose a short story or play and compare it to "Human Croquet" as far as how structure affects the reading experience.

(see the answer keys)

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