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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. Why does Mrs. Beaver no longer have a luxurious lifestyle?

2. How does Brenda do at Polly's party?

3. What does Brenda invite John to do?

4. Why does Brenda send Jenny Abdul Akbar ahead to Hetton?

5. About what does Tony talk to Jock?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brenda propose to Tony and why do you think he agrees?

2. How is it that John Andrew gets caught in the middle of the problems between his parents?

3. Briefly discuss the setting of Hetton Abbey.

4. What does Brenda do the rest of the weekend at Hetton and why do you think she does those things?

5. What occurs in this chapter to demonstrate how far Brenda has sunken into self deceit?

6. What do you think of John Beaver's attempts to remain connected to the upper class by angling for invitations to various events.

7. Why do you think Tony is unconcerned with Brenda spending time in London with her old social circle?

8. Is it likely that John Beaver at this point is not really interested in pursuing something with Brenda Last?

9. Why is Beaver annoyed at Polly's party, but why does he put up with his annoyance?

10. How does John Andrew's behavior demonstrate that he is indeed being affected by the disruption of the household?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a lot of foreshadowing throughout this story. Discuss the following:

1. How is Brenda's affair with John Beaver foreshadowed? Give examples.

2. How is John Andrew's death foreshadowed? Give examples.

3. Do you think Tony becoming lost in the jungle "forever" is foreshadowed? Why or why not? Give examples.

4. Do you think the author's use of foreshadowing is effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There are several chapters named "Hard Cheese on Tony." Discuss the following:

1. What does the phrase "Hard Cheese on..." mean? (This may require a little research).

2. Do you believe all the unfortunate things that happen to Tony is solely bad luck? Why or why not?

3. Discuss two examples of when Tony creates his own bad luck. How could he have done differently?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 2, "English Gothic: Part One," the rooms of Hetton Abbey are named after characters in the story of King Arthur. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Discuss fully the legend of King Arthur.

2. Discuss how the legend of King Arthur and A Handful of Dust are similar and why.

3. Discuss how A Handful of Dust and the legend of King Arthur are different and why.

(see the answer keys)

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