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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 kind of writer does Briony become at this point?

2. What does Emily need to don in order to go to see Briony and to comfort her?

3. What is the unthinkable obscenity that the answer to question #52 utters?

4. What does Robbie do for the Tallis family?

5. What does Robbie apologize for doing in the library the other day in the note he writes to Cecilia?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are some of the things that Robbie's tiny office contains?

3. For what does Robbie type a letter to Cecilia as an apology?

4. What does Emily think will prevent Cecilia from finding a husband?

5. What does Briony imagine is happening when she sees Robbie and Cecilia are out at the fountain?

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

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

8. Why is Briony relieved when everyone leaves her alone in the nursery?

9. Describe the state of Cecilia at the beginning of this section.

10. Why does Briony want to prepare her play to be seen by others?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of imagination is one that plays out throughout this story. Many characters have dreams, while others take everyday events and turn them into fantastic stories.

Part 1: Does the introduction of imagination cause this story to be believable? In other words, can the reader trust everything he/she reads?

Part 2: Does imagination seem to create positive results or negative results? Or both?

Part 3: Describe one scene in which imagination plays a central role. What is the outcome of this situation?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of atonement is not a surprising theme, given the title of the book.

Part 1: Who is the character that decides he/she needs to atone for his/her sins?

Part 2: Why does this character feel the way he/she does?

Part 3: Do you think this character is genuine in his/her desire to make things right? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

One of the biggest themes in this manuscript is the idea of reality vs. fantasy. Briony's perspective not only yields a delightful narrative, but also disastrous consequences for other characters.

Part 1: In what way is Briony's storytelling helpful to the characters in the story?

Part 2: In what way is Briony's perspective hurtful to the characters?

Part 3: Is Briony a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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