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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 do as she rides in the train on the way to her destination?

2. Which of the following does Ralph NOT speak of in his delirious state?

3. What does Antonio tell Catherine he has lost when he stops at her table?

4. Who/What is on the train for which Ralph is waiting?

5. How many years ago did Ralph lose his wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does Ralph and Catherine's relationship begin with a lie?

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

3. What were the circumstances in which Emilia left Truitt?

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

5. How is the theme of isolation repeated as Catherine takes note of her new surroundings?

6. What are Truitt's thoughts about Antonio even though he and the boy hated each other years ago?

7. What do Malloy and Fisk report to Catherine regarding Antonio and to what do they reluctantly agree to do for Catherine?

8. How does Mrs. Larsen show Catherine that she will not stand by and let anyone else hurt Truitt?

9. What lie does Catherine tell about about her father as she is tending to Ralph's head wound?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two examples you can identify in the novel and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

A RELIABLE WIFE is a classic story of good vs. evil. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Why did Truitt decide to keep Catherine in spite of the fact that she misrepresented herself? Why did Truitt allow his relationship with Catherine to begin with a lie? What do Truitt's decisions say about his character?

(see the answer keys)

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