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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. Who will be visiting with Brenda?

2. Where is Hetton Abbey?

3. How does Tony feel around Jenny?

4. Who believes the Abbey exhibits poor taste?

5. Who joins Tony and Jock at the club?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Do you think that a class is a good enough reason to miss the beginning of an annual, traditional event at Hetton as Brenda does?

4. What demonstrates that Tony is trying to regain emotional intimacy with Brenda?

5. What do you think is a theme that is introduced in this first chapter?

6. Give a brief description of the Last family members.

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

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

9. Describe John Andrew's death.

10. Briefly discuss the setting of Hetton Abbey.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most relationships, each person is getting something out of the relationship, whether or not the relationship seems good. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think John Beaver is getting out of his affair with Brenda, especially considering he does not seem to particularly like Brenda.

2. What do you think Brenda is getting out of his affair with John, especially considering she does not seem to particularly find John all that interesting.

3. What is Tony getting out of the marriage with Brenda after she begins staying in London for great lengths of time?

Essay Topic 2

One of the major themes of A HANDFUL OF DUST is that of the differences among different classes in 1930's England. When the book opens, we meet Mrs. Beaver and her son John, who though they once lived in luxury, now get by through Mrs. Beaver's foray into the mundane middle class of making a living. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Discuss the idea of "class" as it exists in this novel. Be sure to include specific examples from the text and a definition of class.

2. Compare and contrast the life of upper-class England with that of either the middle class or lower class (i.e., the servants) as it exists in the novel. What is the upper class attitude towards earning a living? The middle class? The lower class? Which class seems the most practical? The most idealistic?

3. Discuss the following question: What is more of a barrier among people: class, education, religion or gender? Explain your reasoning fully using examples both from the text and your own life experiences.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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