View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Briony sit alone, holding the script of her first play?

2. What does Briony think Robbie is asking Cecilia to do?

3. Who does Emily think will be hindered in her search for a husband because of her education level?

4. Where does Lola see Briony, thus realizing that the play is dead?

5. Which member of the Tallis family is coming home, hence Briony's preoccupation with writing the play for this particular person's celebration?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Who does Emily trust to take care of things around the house while she tries to rest?

5. Why does Cecilia not go to the kitchen to fill up the vase with water?

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

7. What does Lola ask of Marshall in as grown-up a manner as she can muster?

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

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

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

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 growing up of Briony plays into the overall plot of the story, showing the reader that while she might want to grow up, she isn't quite ready for that adult world.

Part 1: List at least three things that Briony does that shows her immaturity.

Part 2: List at least three things that Briony does that demonstrate that she is growing up in the first part of the book.

Part 3: Has Briony grown up in the second part of the book? Or is she still childish in her interactions and her reactions to Cecilia?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample