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

2. Why is Tony annoyed?

3. Where is Hetton Abbey?

4. Where does Tony end up after the get together?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Why is Beaver annoyed at Polly's party, but why does he put up with his annoyance?

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

4. Briefly discuss the setting of Hetton Abbey.

5. How are the rooms of Hetton symbolic?

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

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

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

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

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

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 2

Tony is an aristocrat who is still immersed in the Victorian era. His wife, Brenda is the embodiment of the more modern times and beliefs. Discuss one of the following:

1. Discuss characteristics of the Victorian era and where those appear in the novel.

2. Discuss the characteristics of the post-Victorian and where those appear in the novel.

3. Compare and contrast the Victorian era with the post-Victorian era of the first several decades of the 20th century.

Essay Topic 3

In most relationships, each person is getting something out of the relationship, whether or not the relationship seems good. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think John Beaver is getting out of his affair with Brenda, especially considering he does not seem to particularly like Brenda.

2. What do you think Brenda is getting out of his affair with John, especially considering she does not seem to particularly find John all that interesting.

3. What is Tony getting out of the marriage with Brenda after she begins staying in London for great lengths of time?

(see the answer keys)

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