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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 university do Cecilia and Robbie both attend?

2. What always stops Emily from giving her full attention to the children?

3. About what subject is the book from the library that Robbie borrowed days before?

4. What does Briony think is wrong about the scene she just saw between Robbie and Cecilia?

5. Who does Emily count on to care for the guests when they arrive, which calms Emily and allows her to sleep?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is wrong with the play, according to Briony?

8. What does Briony think she should have done for her brother, Leon's, return?

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

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

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 vase becomes a symbolic item in this story, with its glorious return to the family, then its breaking, repair, and then eventual demise.

Part 1: What is the story of the vase's return to the family?

Part 2: How does the vase become broken in the first place?

Part 3: What does the breaking and repair of the case seem to symbolize in relation to the relationship between Robbie and Cecilia?

Essay Topic 3

Briony sticks to her story about Robbie and Lola, even though it's clear to the reader this might not be the right story.

Part 1: What does Briony think happened between Lola and Robbie?

Part 2: What does Lola think happened during this event?

Part 3: Why does Briony stick to her story? What might her motivations be? What might Briony gain from telling the story she tells to the police?

(see the answer keys)

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