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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 Mr. Turveydrop's response to his son's impending wedding ___________.

2. Caddy Jellyby seeks Esther's help with ___________.

3. Richard moves into a new apartment near ___________.

4. What is the only thing the Jarndyce suit hasn't ruined, according to Gridley?

5. Mr. Skimpole is ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the ending of the story. What is Dickens' intention when he allows Esther to live on happily after all that has taken place?

2. How does Jo affect Dickens' story? Is he a sympathetic character?

3. Why has Chesney Wold become quiet and dismal? How is it different now from before?

4. What is the significance of the "beadle" arriving at Nemo's death scene if any? What is the beadle?

5. Why do you think Judy Smallweed is so cruel to her maid?

6. Poor Guster, the Snagsbys' maid, is given to seizures. Why does Guster fit in so well with the Snagsbys?

7. What is the reader's impression of detective Bucket? How does Dickens accomplish his portrayal of Bucket?

8. With all of his physical and mental deficiencies, why would Grandfather Smallweed make the trip to George's shooting gallery?

9. Who is Miss Flite, and what is her interest? What is the significance of her birds?

10. Describe Mrs. Jellyby's compassion for humanity. Is she a rational person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story of Bleak House includes mistreated, abandoned, ill, homeless, and neglected children. In an essay, address each of these instances. Are they all associated with poverty? What is the point of making unfortunate children such a prominent part of this story?

Essay Topic 2

A "beadle" was something of a cross between a police officer and church official. Research the role of beadles in England in the 1800s. How did society view them at that time? It is helpful to re-read Chapter 11 of Bleak House about the beadle's arrival at Krook House at the time of Nemo's death.

Essay Topic 3

Dickens' writing style in Bleak House often resembles or illustrates his subject matter. Discuss this idea, and if you agree that this is the author's intent, provide examples.. Does this literary device help to drive home Dickens' points? Is there a name for this method? Give examples and quotes that illustrate how Dickens' writing mimics his subject matter.

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