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. Who do the twins blame for having to be in the house of the Tallis family?

2. Who is the character that startles Briony as she is trying to write another story for her brother?

3. How many stragglers have reached a bombed out house in order to figure out a shortcut to the sea in the beginning of this chapter?

4. What can gentleman do during hot days in England, according to Leon?

5. What does Emily think Jack will call soon to say to her, as he does quite often?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Cecilia doing in response to the attack?

2. How does Cecilia react to Robbie's apology to her about the note?

3. Why do the probationers live in constant fear of Sister Marjorie Drummond?

4. What is Jack's response to the disappearance of the twins?

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

6. How does Briony escape Cecelia's questioning?

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

8. Why is Betty furious with Emily?

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

10. What does Emily think her husband will do soon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The tragedy of Briony becomes all the more disturbing when the reader finds out she has an illness at the end of the story.

Part 1: What is the illness of Briony at the end of this book?

Part 2: What does this illness seem to say about the idea of memories?

Part 3: What might this illness be symbolic of within the context of the story? In other words, what might this illness seem to say about the idea of memory and about holding onto one's memories?

Essay Topic 2

The library scene between Robbie and Cecilia is one that can shock readers, while also causing them to learn more about these two characters and their feelings for each other.

Part 1: Why do you think this scene was narrated by Robbie instead of Cecilia?

Part 2: How did you feel about Robbie before the scene? After the scene?

Part 3: How does this scene show the true feelings between these two characters?

Essay Topic 3

Lola is the sister that does not necessarily seem that important to the story at first, but her role develops as the pages turn.

Part 1: Describe the character of Lola. What are some of the characteristics that set her apart from the others?

Part 2: What happens to Lola in the pivotal scene of violence?

Part 3: Why do you think Lola goes along with Briony's lie? Why does she not refute it?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 688 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample