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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 Sillers warn the boys to be sensitive about in regard to Quiggin?

2. What is Sunderland Farebrother's nickname?

3. What is Stringham's unmarried sister named?

4. Why is Widmerpool at La Grenadiere?

5. What does Jenkins think of Stringham's unmarried sister?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Sunderland "Sunny" Farebrother?

2. Who does Jenkins find attractive at the dance in Chapter 2 of "A Question of Upbringing"? What does Sunny question Jenkins about on the train?

3. How does Jenkins describe Widmerpool?

4. How does Jenkins describe the difference between Templer and Stringham?

5. In Chapter 4 of "A Question of Upbringing", who does Jenkins meet with in London? How is Jenkins put out by this person?

6. What caused the rift between Jenkins' father and his brother, Giles?

7. What is Widmerpool doing when he and Jenkins first meet?

8. What opportunity presents itself to Stringham at one of Sillers' afternoon tea events?

9. Who is Sillers?

10. What happens in Chapter 4 of "A Question of Upbringing" when the boys go riding in the country?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Powell tells Jenkins story from Jenkins' perspective, and as such, the reader is only privy to as much as Jenkins is. Thus, there is a significant amount of ambiguity in the novel. What are some examples of ambiguity? How does Jenkins try to interpret these ambiguous moments or characters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the setting of the novel. How important is the setting to novel? What if the novel had been set in a different place and time? In your opinion, would the choices and attitudes of the main characters be different? If so, how?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and interpret the character Kenneth Widmerpool. What are his defining character traits? What struggles and obstacles does he face throughout the novel? What does the reader learn about his background and family life? What is his reputation? How is he treated by others?

(see the answer keys)

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