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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. What does Catherine constantly imagine herself doing?

2. What had tormented Ralph for his entire life?

3. Antonio says that his real family lives in what city?

4. How old was Emilia when Ralph met her?

5. What topic does Catherine research in the library in St. Louis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What significance does the loss of Catherine's jewelry serve symbolically and as an element of foreshadowing?

2. Describe the carriage accident in which Ralph is hurt.

3. What do the secret garden and the Italian house symbolize?

4. What does the author reveal about Catherine's true intentions regarding Truitt?

5. What tragedy did Ralph suffer twenty years ago and why does he try to maintain his composure at the train station?

6. What are some of Truitt's thoughts during his delirium, especially related to his domineering mother and his own youthful thoughts of lust?

7. Describe the scenario where Catherine observes Antonio in the restaurant.

8. What role does deception play in the relationship between Catherine and Truitt?

9. Why is the author's description of the weather so critical to the book?

10. What themes does the author introduce early in the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Greed takes on a human persona in this story especially surrounding the characters of Catherine and Antonio. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Truitt and Catherine. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, and socialization.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of evil. Identify at least two themes about evil in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

(see the answer keys)

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