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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. Who is the woman that strikes fear into the hearts of all the probationary nurses and staff?

2. Who is put to bed to wait for the doctors after the attack in the yard?

3. Emily believes the twins will probably be back before the __________ could arrive.

4. Who catches Robbie and Cecilia in the library?

5. Betty will get upset with the twins and with the children if they do not come down for _______ immediately.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who approaches Cecilia as she is changing for dinner?

2. Who are the three stragglers that are moving toward a bombed out house as they attempt to find a shortcut to the sea?

3. When Cecilia puts on the pink dress, who does she think she looks like?

4. Who enters the library and catches Robbie and Cecilia?

5. What is hanging high up in a tree above the three stragglers from the retreating British army?

6. What has happened to Lola, according to Briony?

7. Who interrupts Briony as she is trying to write a new story?

8. How does Briony reveal her true self within this section?

9. What does Robbie have to say about the letter that he wrote to Cecilia?

10. Why is Briony the one who is left with the adults to tell the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The ending of Atonement is one that can be confusing to the reader, as Briony is the one telling the tale.

Part 1: What are the two endings to the story of Atonement?

Part 2: Which ending seems to be "real" in terms of the storytelling? Which one is more believable?

Part 3: What do you think happens to Cecilia and Robbie at the end of this story?

(see the answer keys)

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