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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. How does Marjorie feel about John Beaver?

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

3. To whom is Mrs. Beaver speaking?

4. Of what is Brenda taking advantage concerning Tony?

5. How does Brenda confront John?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does it seem the women and men of the upper social class are portrayed in this chapter?

2. What does Tony find annoying and why do you think he put himself in the situation?

3. Describe Jock's date for the hunt weekend.

4. How is it obvious that though Brenda thinks she is in control of the relationship between her and Beaver, he actually probably has more control over it?

5. What are several things revealed about Jenny Abdul Akbar?

6. What demonstrates the possibility that Brenda is already planning a divorce?

7. How does it seem that Brenda has absolutely no concern for Tony nor for her own reputation?

8. How does Tony demonstrate his willingness to accommodate Brenda's friends and what is their attitude towards Tony?

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

10. How is John Beaver's social standing improving through his affair with Brenda?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often the people hurt the most in a situation like that of Tony and Brenda's is a child. John Andrew plays a pivotal role in the melodrama of Brenda's descent into selfishness. Discuss the following:

1. Compare the relationship between John Andrew and each of his parents.

2. How does the relationship between John Andrew and his parents (individually) change over the course of the story?

3. How does John Andrew tip the scales in Brenda's decision to reveal all to Tony? Do you think she is genuinely grieved about her son's death or glad for an opportunity for "total freedom"?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Some readers and/or critics might say that A HANDFUL OF DUST contains some elements of a dark comedy. Discuss the following giving specific examples:

1. Define dark comedy and give some examples of works of dark comedy in literature and/or film.

2. Discuss several scenes from A HANDFUL OF DUST that might contain elements of a dark comedy.

3. Why do you think Waugh incorporates elements of dark comedy into this work?

(see the answer keys)

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