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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. Lady Dedlock has assumed for years that her daughter had ___________.
2. The city of London seems wrapped in a blanket of ___________.
3. What is notable about the children at Tom's All-alone?
4. Tom-all-alone's is a place where ___________.
5. Esther is now being relentlessly pursued by ___________.
Short Essay Questions
1. What is the relationship between Esther Summerson and Miss Barbary?
2. It seems curious that Dickens' characters tend to go to certain places for no apparent reason, such as Jarndyce agreeing to visit Neckett's place. In any case, a curious theme that seems to resurface is the neglect of children. Discuss your ideas about why Dickens continues to bring up this theme.
3. Richard Carstone has a strange way of seeing money. How does Esther illustrate his propensity to rationalize his spending?
4. How does Jo affect Dickens' story? Is he a sympathetic character?
5. Discuss Krook's Rag and Bottle Shop? Is he a good businessman? Is there anything symbolic about the shop?
6. With all of his physical and mental deficiencies, why would Grandfather Smallweed make the trip to George's shooting gallery?
7. Discuss Dickens' opinion of Nemo's good Christian burial. Is his attitude positive?
8. What seems to be the underlying reason for the officer's suspicions about Jo? Can Jo be compared to our homeless population toady?
9. What is discovered at Krook's that may change the course of the Jarndyce suit, and how does it affect the main characters?
10. George has been a wayward son of Mrs. Rouncewell's and has only now reacquainted himself with his brother. What is the new connection between them?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The issue of suicide is raised several times in Bleak House. Dickens makes it seem almost a common topic of discussion, if not a common occurrence. Try to find some research that sheds light on the suicide rate in England during the 1800s, and see if you can draw any parallels with the economic condition of the country at that time.
Essay Topic 2
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.
Essay Topic 3
The Rouncewell family is in the iron business, Mr. Rouncewell being an "ironmaster." Research industrial progress in England in the 1850s, what had been accomplished by that time, and what was in the works. How did industry affect the country, in general, at that time?
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This section contains 1,049 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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