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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 happened on the beautiful morning of June, 1932, as recalled by Robbie during his travels?

2. How was Lola grabbed during her attack, making it more difficult for her to identify her attacker?

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

4. Where does Cecilia believe her sister to be as she is hunting to find her?

5. Who goads who as Robbie and Cecilia are making love?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Leon have to say about England in hot weather?

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

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

4. What does Briony think Cecilia is telling Leon when Briony sees them walking together a distance away?

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

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

7. What does Briony picture has happened to the twins?

8. What does Briony decide about the letter that Robbie has written to Cecilia?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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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