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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. About what do Newland and Ellen talk?

2. What is Newland's secret plan?

3. What secret thought does Newland keep during the dinner?

4. Who requests Newland to visit a few days later?

5. What does Mrs. Mingott ask of Newland?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mr. Riviere's opinion about Ellen returning to her husband?

2. Explain the nature of Newland's growing disappointment with his new wife.

3. What two rumors about Julius Beaufort surface in Chapter 26?

4. How does Newland once again raise May's suspicions about his intentions with Ellen?

5. How does Newland continue behavior that shows he is still obsessed with Ellen?

6. What is the news that finally thwarts Newland and Ellen's ever being together?

7. How do Newland and Ellen decide to manage their situation?

8. How is Ellen's unconventional behavior ultimately rationalized by friends and family?

9. What is Newland's reaction when Ellen tells him they cannot run away together?

10. What ironic twist occurs just as Newland is about to admit his feelings for Ellen to May?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how Newland's perception of May evolves as he has more exposure to Ellen. How does Newland come to view May during their honeymoon trip? Why?

Essay Topic 3

What is the van der Lydens' role in New York society? Where do they fit on the class pyramid? Why do they wield so much power?

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