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. How are the Archdeacon and Mr. Harding alike?

2. How is Mr. Arabin described in terms of his religion?

3. How are the Thornes tied to Mr. Arabin?

4. In Chapter 6, who preaches at the church in Barchester as part of a challenge?

5. What does Eleanor do when Mr. Slope asks her if she will marry Mr. Slope?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mr. Arabin's history with religion.

2. How does Miss Thorne show that she is behind the times while having lunch with Mr. Arabin, the Archdeacon, and Eleanor?

3. What surprises Eleanor about Mr. Arabin when they talk in Chapter 21?

4. What does Mr. Slope write in his letter to Eleanor in Chapter 27?

5. In Chapter 16, what role does Mrs. Proudie play in filling the wardenship?

6. What happens when Mr. Slope visits with Eleanor Bold and Susan Grantly?

7. How are the Thornes contrasted with the clergy of Barchester?

8. Explain the relationship of power between Dr. Proudie, Mrs. Proudie, and Mr. Slope as described in Chapter 3.

9. In Chapter 1, what makes finding a new Bishop complicated?

10. When the Proudies announce they are having a party in Chapter 10, what are some of the concerns their guests feel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of "Barchester Towers" it appears that all the characters have happy endings. What is significant about the ending of this novel? How does this close the conflict between the conservative and liberal factions of the church? What has been resolved in regards to the church vs. the government? How is it possible for all the characters to have happy endings?

Essay Topic 2

Compare the upper classes of Barchester to the lower classes. What represents the divide? How does each respond to the conflicts happening in the church? What happens at the Thornes' party? How does this novel feel about the class divide?

Essay Topic 3

"Barchester Towers" is centered on the conflict of traditional vs. progressive religion. Summarize each side and the characters that support it. How is each side depicted in this novel, how do they clash, and what is the resolution?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 854 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample