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. Why does the young woman become unfriendly to Tony?

2. Why does Tony have to prove his infidelity?

3. Who is Tony's new partner?

4. Who is Mr. Todd?

5. Of whom does Tony not see much before she leaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Tony decides to go away for awhile?

2. How has John Beaver fared through the saga of Tony and Brenda's failed marriage?

3. What is Tony's position in Brenda's social circle by the end of this chapter?

4. How does Reggie present the situation about Brenda to Tony?

5. How long is it before Tony and Messinger are able to talk to the men of the village about what they want?

6. How does Tony manage to survive in the jungle?

7. Why does Tony have to appear to be in the wrong?

8. What is the symbolic significance of the first book that Tony reads?

9. How is it that Tony seems to be the "bad" guy in a number of ways?

10. What do Messigner and Tony decide to do and do you think they make the best choice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As in almost any text, there are a number of symbols and metaphors present in A HANDFUL OF DUST. Discuss one of the following:

1. Choose three major symbols in the novel and discuss their meanings as they occur in various places throughout the text.

2. Choose two major metaphors in the novel and discuss their meanings as they occur in various places throughout the text.

3. Discuss the symbols of Hetton Place as it relates to Tony's ideals and beliefs.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

One of the major themes of A HANDFUL OF DUST is that of the differences among different classes in 1930's England. When the book opens, we meet Mrs. Beaver and her son John, who though they once lived in luxury, now get by through Mrs. Beaver's foray into the mundane middle class of making a living. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Discuss the idea of "class" as it exists in this novel. Be sure to include specific examples from the text and a definition of class.

2. Compare and contrast the life of upper-class England with that of either the middle class or lower class (i.e., the servants) as it exists in the novel. What is the upper class attitude towards earning a living? The middle class? The lower class? Which class seems the most practical? The most idealistic?

3. Discuss the following question: What is more of a barrier among people: class, education, religion or gender? Explain your reasoning fully using examples both from the text and your own life experiences.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,504 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample