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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 is the popular rumor already in existence about Ellen?

2. What is the event of the season?

3. On what issue does Newland press May?

4. What does Newland consider his marriage to May to be?

5. For what reason does Newland approve of the divorce?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conflicting messages does Newland receive about Ellen's feelings for him in Chapter 15?

2. Explain Newland and May's betrothal visits.

3. How does Ellen show her disdain for her husband?

4. Explain why Newland is both baffled and pleased by a visit to Ellen's home.

5. Explain Newland's conflict in being asked to handle Ellen's divorce?

6. How does Newland's sudden change of plans betray his feelings for Ellen?

7. How does Ellen exhibit unconventional behavior in public in Chapter 8?

8. What issue does Newland bring up again when he sees May?

9. Who is Ellen Olenska?

10. What does Ellen decide about her divorce after discussing it with Newland?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Newland never break his engagement to May in order to be with Ellen? Is his sense of decorum too strong or is he perhaps afraid of what being with Ellen might actually be like? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Julius and Regina Beaufort. Why are they considered to be common among those in high class society? Why are they allowed admittance to high class life in New York?

Essay Topic 3

The story takes place in the early 1870s in New York City. Explain why the story could not have taken place in any other setting--both time period and location.

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