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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. In Chapter 12, when Hal decides that she does not feel like an athlete after all, she decides that she instead "feels like a grandmaster before a" (90) what?

2. Who follows Hal outside after breakfast in Chapter 18 and offers to show her the hedge maze?

3. When Hal returns to her kiosk after chasing after her client, what sign does she notice that she may not be alone when she enters her flat?

4. About how old was Hal in the photograph featuring herself and her mother?

5. It is revealed in Chapter 13 that Maud and Maggie had been related to one another in what way?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Hal's appearance.

2. For what reason is Hal herself dismayed when the contents of Hester Westaway's will are revealed?

3. For what occasion must the Westaway family travel to Penzance together and how do they get there?

4. Discuss an instance when Ware uses a simile to indicate a violent emotional reaction.

5. Who is Mrs. Warren?

6. What severe mistake does Hal nearly make when talking to Freddie, Harding's 12-year-old son, for the first time?

7. How did the drastic change just before Hal's 18th birthday transform her life?

8. Describe the three Westaway brothers' three different reactions to the news that Hal is Maud's daughter.

9. What meaningful item does Hal keep on her mantelpiece and what does the object symbolize?

10. In what way does Hal turn her fear of meeting the Westaway family to her advantage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose an object from The Death of Mrs. Westaway, such as the magpies, Maggie’s diary, or some other symbolic object and discuss its overall meaning and its connection to themes within the text.

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of Ezra’s character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Ware in depicting Ezra and include in your discussion the reasons that Ware portrays Ezra in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 3

How is the topic of fate treated within The Death of Mrs. Westaway and how does its treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

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