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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. For how many years did Ned and Mary live in the American Midwest while Ned worked as an engineer?

2. In section "V," who comes to visit Mary?

3. On that evening in the library in section "II," what does Mary see has happened when she looks up from preparing the tea?

4. What does Mary learn from the contents of the envelope?

5. Which character opens the story on page 83 by saying "Oh, there is one, of course, but you'll never know it"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ned tell Mary about the Blue Star lawsuit?

2. After she finds out that he has gone out with the mysterious man and not yet returned, why is Mary immediately alarmed?

3. On the day of his disappearance, what is so frustrating for Mary about her conversation with her staff about where Ned is?

4. How has Ned's mood changed on the morning after he and Mary first discussed the Blue Star lawsuit, and what does Mary believe changed his mood?

5. What is the name of Ned's book, and what is the thematic significance of this title?

6. What does Mary remember happening earlier in the day in October when she and Ned first climbed Meldon Steep?

7. In the beginning of section "IV," how much time has elapsed since Ned's disappearance, and what has been happening in that time?

8. What strange conclusion does Mary come to about the relationship of the ghost to the house, Lyng?

9. In the narrative present at the beginning of the story, where is Mary and what is she doing?

10. What horrifying chain of events does Mary understand once she sees Bob Elwell's picture?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that examines the issue of unearned privilege in "Afterward." How far does the story go in its critique of Mary and Ned's lifestyle? Might it have gone further? You may choose to also use evidence about Wharton's own life, depending on the scope of your thesis; if you do so, be sure to cite your sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that makes and defends a claim about the purpose of the story's structure. Why does it begin with the moment that it begins with? How are flashbacks used, and why? What periods of time are narrated in detail, and which are compressed, and why? Offer textual evidence for your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explores "Afterward" as entertainment; make and defend a claim about whether the story succeeds as a disturbing "haunted house" tale. Offer specific textual support for your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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