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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 notable about the children at Tom's All-alone?

2. Skimpole has a proclivity for ___________.

3. Mr. Jarndyce wants Richard to ___________.

4. Mr. Bucket comes in disguise to arrest ___________.

5. Richard feels certain that he will ultimately make his fortune ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Dickens' opinion of Nemo's good Christian burial. Is his attitude positive?

2. How likely is it that Mr. Jarndyce would simply bow out and suggest Esther marry Woodcourt? Is this just common courtesy or this time in England?

3. What is Lady Dedlock's favorite way to hide? Why does she die?

4. Dickens brings poverty and wealth together to create intrigue in the story's plot. What is young Jo's involvement in the plot and why is he important?

5. What purpose does it serve having Lady Dedlock take a shine to the lovely new maid, Rosa?

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

7. What is the point of Esther, Ada, and Richard spending a night at the Jellybys'? What does Dickens accomplish with this break in their journey toward Bleak House?

8. Charity and philanthropy seem to be addressed frequently in the story. Mrs. Pardiggle and Mrs. Jellyby have something in common in their efforts to help others. What is it?

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

10. Discuss Krook's strange death. What is spontaneous combustion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the use of flowers in Bleak House. Dickens employs flowers several times in very specific, symbolic ways. Examine the symbolism and determine if there is a common thread in the instances where flowers appear.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Dickens describes Tulkinghorn's funeral as having many empty carriages for absent mourners. Research this practice and write an essay on its origins, its meaning, and its demise.

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