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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. How does Marjorie feel about John Beaver?

2. Why does Tony lash out at his son?

3. Who entertains John while Tony is out of the house?

4. About what does Mrs. Beaver brag?

5. Why is Jock uncomfortable with Tony at first?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are the rooms of Hetton symbolic?

2. How does it seem that Brenda has absolutely no concern for Tony nor for her own reputation?

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

4. What does Brenda propose to Tony and why do you think he agrees?

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

6. How does Tony demonstrate his willingness to accommodate Brenda's friends and what is their attitude towards Tony?

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

8. Give a brief description of the Last family members.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Divorce in that era of England is not a simple matter. There are ways one has to "jump through hoops" in order to get a divorce. Discuss one of the following:

1. Discuss what Tony has to do in order to effect an honorable divorce from Brenda. What do you think of his methods?

2. Compare and contrast the divorce proceedings of the time in the novel with the 21st century America. Which seems to be a better method? Do both ways have their good points? Pitfalls?

3. How does Brenda's greed in the divorce and throughout the story end up causing her to have nothing? Is this just desserts? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare and contrast Tony Last with John Beaver.

2. Compare and contrast Brenda Last as she really is with whom Tony Last believes she is.

3. Discuss the roles of Jock Grant-Menzies, Mrs. Beaver, Marjorie, Dr. Messinger and Mr. Todd in the lives of the two major characters, Brenda and Tony Last. Is everyone of these secondary characters vital to the novel? Are any of them a foil to one of the major characters?

Essay Topic 3

There is a lot of foreshadowing throughout this story. Discuss the following:

1. How is Brenda's affair with John Beaver foreshadowed? Give examples.

2. How is John Andrew's death foreshadowed? Give examples.

3. Do you think Tony becoming lost in the jungle "forever" is foreshadowed? Why or why not? Give examples.

4. Do you think the author's use of foreshadowing is effective? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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