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

2. Cecilia tell Robbie that she has been ______ with him and with herself all day.

3. Who says to Cecilia that they want to be in Briony's play and that is why they are upset?

4. What does Lola declare Robbie to be after Briony reveals the contents of the letter Robbie wrote for Cecilia?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where does Cecilia run off to in order to be free of her mother?

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

4. What is the explanation for the disembodied human leg that Briony thinks she sees?

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

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

7. Why is Betty furious with Emily?

8. What has been haunting Emily lately?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

While it seems this story is one about people, the setting also has something to tell the reader in terms of the characters' behaviors and their interactions.

Part 1: Describe the setting of the story in the first part of the book.

Part 2: Describe the setting in the "1999" section of the book.

Part 3: What does the setting seem to say about the Tallis family? What is the overall mood from start to finish in this setting?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Cecilia is one that seems a bit complicated to the reader and to the actual story's movement.

Part 1: Describe the character of Cecilia.

Part 2: Is Cecilia as grown up as she seems to be? Why or why not? Does Cecilia feel she is the adult everyone believes her to be?

Part 3: How is Cecilia affected by the loss of Robbie and by the story of Briony?

(see the answer keys)

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