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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. Robbie the son of _________________.

2. What is Briony freed from when she writes a play, much to her delight?

3. To what age does Robbie's imagination take him as he is thinking about his and Cecilia's future?

4. Who does Cecilia want to avoid in the kitchen, causing her to have to go to the fountain for water?

5. How might Lola and her twin brothers be described at this point of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Briony realize to be one of the strengths of writing for drama?

2. What mystery does Briony begin to contemplate as she is looking at her hand?

3. Why does Emily retreat to her bedroom each and every day?

4. What does Cecilia try to do in order to recover the appearance of the vase?

5. What do the children do in response to Emily because her illness stops Emily from giving her children a mother's attention?

6. What is Briony's reaction to her big brother when he approaches her?

7. What does Cecilia do in order to brighten up the guestroom for Paul Marshall, a friend of her brother's?

8. What does Cecilia's father disapprove of which she does in spite of this disapproval?

9. What has fallen into disrepair, according to the narrative in this section?

10. Why does Robbie think he should have turned down Leon's invitation to dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The men of the story seem to play more of a background role, even though they are an integral part of the action.

Part 1: Describe the role of Leon. Who is he and what does he provide for the story?

Part 2: Describe the character of Paul Marshall. Who is he and what does he bring to the story?

Part 3: Describe the character of Robbie. Who is he and what does he bring to the story?

Essay Topic 2

The fountain scene between Robbie and Cecilia is one that begins to turn Briony's attention to darker perceptions of the two characters.

Part 1: Describe what actually happens at the fountain between Robbie and Cecilia.

Part 2: Describe what Briony perceives to have happened during this conversation between the two.

Part 3: Why do you think Cecilia reacted in the scene the way she did? What does this seem to say to Briony?

Essay Topic 3

Emily Tallis is a fascinating creature who evokes pity and anger from readers who "meet" her.

Part 1: Describe the character of Emily Tallis.

Part 2: What do Emily's children think of her as a mother and as a person?

Part 3: Why do you think Emily Tallis suffers from illnesses so much? Is it purely physical or might it be psychological?

(see the answer keys)

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