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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. After leaving Le Bas in the countryside, where does Stringham ask that the boys stop?

2. Where is Stringham's mother from?

3. Why does Templer leave his evening with Jenkins early in Chapter 4 of "A Question of Upbringing"?

4. Why is Widmerpool at La Grenadiere?

5. What is particularly unique about one of Widmerpool's articles of clothing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

4. How does Widmerpool react to Jenkins' confession about Le Bas' arrest?

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

6. What does Jenkins say he can see when he looks back at his memories of school?

7. How does Jenkins describe Widmerpool?

8. Why does Jenkins ask his uncle Giles to put out his cigarette?

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

10. Who is Sunderland "Sunny" Farebrother?

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

There are many secondary characters in Powell's work. Analyze and interpret at least five of the secondary characters of the first volume of "A Dance to the Music of Time". How important are they to the protagonist and the plot? What are their defining character traits?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Powell's inspirations for the first volume of "A Dance to the Music of Time". Who are some of the real figures whom the characters are based on? What personality traits do they share? What piece of art is the work as a whole inspired from? What themes do they share?

(see the answer keys)

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