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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. Where does John next encounter Brenda?

2. How does Brenda fool John Beaver?

3. What does Brenda do to finish the weekend?

4. How often is Brenda communicating with Tony?

5. Why is John annoyed with Brenda?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe John Andrew's death.

2. What are a couple of the reactions to Brenda seeing John Beaver?

3. How does it seem Mrs. Beaver is manipulating something between Brenda and John Beaver?

4. How is the last part of this chapter a transitional chapter for Brenda and Tony's relationship?

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

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

7. 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?

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. Briefly discuss the setting of Hetton Abbey.

10. What demonstrates how very widespread the knowledge about Brenda's affair is and how much it is a topic of conversation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Evelyn Waugh is known for his social satires, A HANDFUL OF DUST being one of his most well-known. Discuss the following:

1. What is a social satire? Give other examples besides A Handful of Dust.

2. Discuss why A Handful of Dust is considered a social satire. Give specific examples to support your ideas.

3. Discuss how effective A HANDFUL OF DUST is as a social satire.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Waugh offers an alternate ending in his serialization of A HANDFUL OF DUST in an American magazine. In that ending, Tony returns to England, is reunited with Brenda, moves into her flat and begins a series of affairs himself. Discuss the following:

1. Which ending to the novel do you think is closer to reality? Why?

2. Which ending is a more honorable one for Tony? Why?

3. Do you think Brenda would have welcomed Tony back and then stayed with it despite his affairs? Explain your reasoning using examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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