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. With what is the London social scene buzzing?

2. Who believes the Abbey exhibits poor taste?

3. What does Brenda say in a note to Tony?

4. How do the Christmas holidays go at Hetton?

5. Who is anxiously awaiting Brenda's arrival back at Hetton?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why do you think Tony is unconcerned with Brenda spending time in London with her old social circle?

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

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

8. Briefly discuss the setting of Hetton Abbey.

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

One person is seldom to blame when adultery comes into a marriage. Discuss the following:

1. What factors push Brenda into adultery? Give examples.

2. What is Tony's part in why Brenda chooses to be unfaithful? Should he accept part of the blame? Give examples.

3. Do you think the way Tony treats Brenda after her request for a divorce is fair and honorable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In , Chapter 3, "Hard Cheese on Tony , Part 1," Tony encounters Jock at the Brat's Club. At first Jock feels a little awkward with Tony, since everyone knows about Brenda's affair with John Beaver. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think it is wrong of Jock to know something so important to Tony's life and not tell him? Why or why not?

2. Where are there other examples in the text when Brenda's affair is being discussed? Give examples and analyze the motives of the characters and morality of the situation.

3. Do you think Brenda not saying anything sooner is motivated out of compassion or greed? Give specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,111 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample