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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 happens to cause Thunderclap to bolt?

2. When was Hetton Abbey rebuilt?

3. About what party specifically do Brenda and Marjorie speak?

4. How does Tony feel around Jenny?

5. Who has come to the station to meet Tony?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think about Jock's behavior towards his friend, Tony?

2. Do you think John Beaver knows what the upper class people with whom he wants to associate think of him?

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. How would you characterize John Beaver's idea of a relationship with a woman (including Brenda)?

10. What is likely foreshadowed at the beginning of this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 3, "Hard Cheese on Tony: Part Seven," Brenda sends Tony a letter telling him about her affair with John and asking to end their marriage. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Brenda would be so cruel as to write Tony just a couple days after the death of their son?

2. Do you think Brenda ever loved Tony? Why or why not? Give examples.

3. What would be your response if someone did something like what Brenda does in writing Tony so soon after the death of their son?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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"?

(see the answer keys)

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