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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. How many children do the Stanhopes have?

2. Who enjoys meeting the signora?

3. Why does Mr. Slope feel he will have power in Barchester?

4. How are the Thornes involved in the current political situation of Chapter 22?

5. Who agrees with Mr. Slope's opinions of the warden position in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mr. Arabin discover that he is in love with Eleanor?

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

3. When Mrs. Proudie visits Mr. Slope in Chapter 17, what things does she tell him?

4. How do Dr. Harding and Eleanor respond to each other when they discuss Sunday school in Chapter 13?

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

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

7. What happens to Mr. Slope and Mrs. Proudie's relationship after discussing the wardenship in Chapter 26?

8. What does Dr. Harding learn about the wardenship of Hiram's Hospital in Chapter 14, and how does he respond?

9. What happens in Chapter 15 in regards to Mr. Slope and his role in filling the wardenship of Hiram's Hospital?

10. What role does Mr. Slope play in the Proudie's discussion of the wardenship position in Chapters 25 and 26?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the relationship between the Bishop and his wife. How is power reflected in the couple? How do they impact the other characters and the plot of "Barchester Towers"? What makes their relationship fit in with the themes of power struggle and conflict? Use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

"Barchester Towers" is considered to be written in the style of realism. Describe this movement of literature and what makes this novel a good example of realism. What makes the novel not fit into the description of realism?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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