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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. Where does Cecilia meet up with her half-drunk brother, finally, after escaping from her mother and the drama of the kitchen?

2. What is Robbie afraid Briony is going to mention at the dinner table?

3. Who is Briony comforted to know is with her sister Cecilia as they are searching for the twins?

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

5. What is Briony certain will benefit her writing, even if it means hurting others and invading their privacy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Briony escape Cecelia's questioning?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Emily think about the disappearance of the twins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 675 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample