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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. When Angel tells Tess he loves her, and hugs her, she makes an excuse to move out of his embrace. What is her excuse?

2. While the dairy maids are out in the pasture searching for noxious weeds, Tess feels faint. What does Mr. Crick tell her?

3. What kind of work does Tess do at Talbothays?

4. Hardy's description of Tess and Angel likens them to ___.

5. Tess takes a job as a ____ to support her baby.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene concerning the accident with the horse. What does that show about Tess's character?

2. How does Tess deal with her situation in Chapter 13, when she is living at her parents' home, and is pregnant and shunned by the community?

3. When Angel goes back to visit his family, things seem to have changed. Describe how he and his family see each other now.

4. What happens on the drive to Mrs. D'Uberville's home?

5. What arguments does Angel give his parents to convince them that marrying Tess is a good idea?

6. Describe the circumstances under which Angel and Tess see each other for the first time.

7. How is Mr. Durbeyfield portrayed in in the first chapter?

8. In Chapter 5 Tess is pressured to approach the D'Urbervilles for money. What does this scene, and her response, show about her?

9. Describe what happens when Angel arrives back at Talbothays after visiting his parents.

10. What is Tess's reaction when Angel finally confesses his love for her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 35, Angel accuses Tess of lacking morals. He blames this on her upbringing and heritage. From what you know of her parents, would you say he is right or wrong? Use concrete examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 51, Tess contemplates the burial monuments of her ancestors, saying, "Why am I on the wrong side?" Is death the only realistic fate for Tess from here on? Or is there still a way that she could escape her 'fate'?

Essay Topic 3

Some people read Hardy's work as a commentary on forms of oppression (religious, political, racial, social). Discuss, using at least three different examples from the text to back up your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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