View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What title does the Prince of Morocco hold?

2. What annoys Tony about the three women who join Brenda at the estate?

3. When Brenda finally communicates with Tony, what does she tell him?

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

5. What is Jenny's official title?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. Briefly discuss the setting of Hetton Abbey.

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

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

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

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

9. Describe John Andrew's death.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,259 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample