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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 Birkin go to preach at Barton Ferry?

2. The painter filled in the entire painting except what?

3. Who does Birkin see in town when he and the Ellerbecks go to Ripon?

4. What does Alice ask to see when she visits Birkin for the final time and brings him apples?

5. Which of the following characteristics does not describe the portrayal that Birkin suspects might be a portrait in the larger painting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What story does Moon tell about one of his acquaintances when he and Birkin are discussing the war?

2. Who meets Birkin at the door when he arrives in Barton Ferry and who else shows up for the service?

3. How does Moon respond when Birkin tells him that Keach has told him that he is finished with the painting?

4. Describe Birkin's involvement in the service at Keach's church.

5. What suggestion does Kathy make after asking Birkin if he has thought about staying in Oxgodby? How does he respond?

6. Where do Moon and Birkin go to visit Mossop? What do they do there? What do they eat afterward?

7. Describe the portrayal of the man who Birkin thinks might be a portrait.

8. What part of the painting does the painter leave unfilled? What are Birkin's speculation regarding this situation?

9. After the service in Barton Ferry, with whom does Birkin have tea? What does he see at their home that upsets him?

10. Describe the summer in Oxgodby according to Birkin.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Birkin comes up with a detailed description of the painter through observations he makes as he uncovers the painting. Write an essay evaluating Birkin's claims. Do you think the observations he makes are true or more related to his desire to create a story for the painting?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay examining the relationships between Keach and Birkin and Moon and Birkin. How are these relationships similar? How are they different?

Essay Topic 3

When Birkin first gets to Oxgodby, the painting is completely hidden. By the time he leaves, he has uncovered the entire work. Write an essay examining the idea of hiding and revealing in the novel.

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This section contains 807 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample