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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 wants to know how to find Jock Grant-Menzies?

2. What excuse does Brenda use to miss the annual event?

3. What does Mrs. Beaver do for a living?

4. What happens to cause Thunderclap to bolt?

5. Why does Brenda wish Tony wanted to go to the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What occurs in this chapter to demonstrate how far Brenda has sunken into self deceit?

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

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

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

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

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

7. What two messages does Tony receive that are disappointing to Tony?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of themes in this story, one of which has already been discussed. Discuss one of the following:

1. Choose two major themes (other than that of class) and analyze them and discuss examples of where that theme appears in the text.

2. Compare and contrast two major themes in the novel to those themes found in other texts/movies with which you are familiar.

3. Other than class, which theme do you think is the major theme of the book? Discuss why and give example

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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