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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 catches Robbie and Cecilia in the library?

2. What are moths actually looking for, instead of the light, according to Emily's recollection of her education?

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

4. Who does Briony tell about the attack first when she and the victim are walking toward the bridge?

5. Why are maniacs so dangerous, at least in Lola's eyes, as she is talking to Briony?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why is Betty furious with Emily?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lies seem to be pervasive in this story, but they seem to be taken as truths or at least ignored for the sake of those involved.

Part 1: What is the lie that Mr. Tallis tells again and again?

Part 2: Why does Emily believe her husband's stories, or at least, why does she live with the lies?

Part 3: What are other lies that are told in this story, other than the one Briony tells about Robbie and Lola? What do these lies do to the characters and to the action of the story?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of imagination is one that plays out throughout this story. Many characters have dreams, while others take everyday events and turn them into fantastic stories.

Part 1: Does the introduction of imagination cause this story to be believable? In other words, can the reader trust everything he/she reads?

Part 2: Does imagination seem to create positive results or negative results? Or both?

Part 3: Describe one scene in which imagination plays a central role. What is the outcome of this situation?

(see the answer keys)

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