View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the train make a half-hour stop in Mozhaisk before it proceeds toward Berlin?

2. What is the quickest way to the Reid dacha after getting off at the nearby village railroad station?

3. On what night at the dacha is Dolly awakened by the slight noise of a door opening?

4. Why do the police leave the scene?

5. Frank would like it if Dolly gave Charlie what?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Talking with Selwyn in Chapter 20, Charlie notes that Dolly is adept in the kitchen. Selwyn replies that if adult women and men live simply, doing tasks as the need arises, their children will soon seek to join in. Why does Charlie make the comment about Dolly initially? Following Selwyn's response, why is it Charlie then asks if he thought Nellie lived simply? Why does Selwyn offer no reply?

Essay Topic 2

It is interesting to see what transpires during the meal Kuriatin has invited Frank to have with him at Rusalochka's tearoom. What are the two apparent motives Kuriatin has for taking Frank out? What effect does the brief appearance of Selwyn, and his spurning Kuriatin's invitation to join the pair, have upon Kuriatin? What is the outcome of this event and its significance?

Essay Topic 3

In the first chapter Penelope Fitzgerald introduces the reader to a number of important characters. Who is Nellie Reid? How does the story center on her? Who is Frank Reid? What does he do in the first chapter? How does Selwyn Crane come into the story? What role does he play? What member of the Reid household is Toma?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 346 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample