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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 convinces May that Newland wants to marry her?

2. Who dines at the Archer household the night after the ball?

3. Who is the main character who arrives late at the opera?

4. Who accompanies Newland and May on their betrothal visits?

5. What does Newland ask Mrs. Mingott to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the author indicate Ellen's feelings for Newland at this point?

3. In what way does Newland show his growing fondness for Ellen?

4. What does Ellen do to create some drama in her relationship with Newland?

5. How does Newland feel about Ellen's rumored involvement with her husband's secretary?

6. What is the setting for the story and the first chapter in particular?

7. What does Newland do after the awkward meeting with Ellen at Skuytercliff?

8. What legal case is Newland asked to handle in which he feels a conflict of interest?

9. Explain Newland and May's betrothal visits.

10. Who is Ellen Olenska?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the courtship, engagement and wedding rules of high society during the late Nineteenth Century. Which rule does Newland lobby to break and why?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Ellen run away to Skuytercliff? From what is she running away? Or is she hoping to find something?

Essay Topic 3

What does the class system provide for the people in the story? Why is it necessary?

(see the answer keys)

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