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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. Jarndyce and Jarndyce is the ___________.
2. Mrs. Rouncewell is ___________.
3. Tulkinghorn wants to find out ___________.
4. Mr. Jarndyce wants Richard to ___________.
5. A developing theme implies that ___________.
Short Essay Questions
1. What is Mrs. Snagsby's problem? What is comical about her behavior at the "improvement" of Jo?
2. Describe the general scene in the Chancery hearings on the Jarndyce suit, and London, as it is set by Dickens in the first chapter. Is there anything attractive or alluring about the ambience of either?
3. Discuss the ending of the story. What is Dickens' intention when he allows Esther to live on happily after all that has taken place?
4. Jarndyce v. Jarndyce has finally come to an end, with all the money at issue having been swallowed up in legal costs. Why does Richard Carstone die at this time?
5. 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.
6. What is the reader's impression of detective Bucket? How does Dickens accomplish his portrayal of Bucket?
7. Describe the relationship between the married Dedlocks, Sir Leicester, and Lady Dedlock.
8. Who is Miss Flite, and what is her interest? What is the significance of her birds?
9. How does Jo affect Dickens' story? Is he a sympathetic character?
10. Explain Vholes' philosophy about the English legal system? Is it moral?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Several times in Bleak House Dickens describes the most disgusting and unsanitary conditions of London cemeteries. What were those conditions? Why were they allowed to get to this state? Have they changed? Research the history of London burial grounds and write a detailed essay, using images, if possible.
Essay Topic 2
Jarndyce v. Jarndyce comes to an end, just as Esther's adult life begins to take form. In its wake, the lawsuit has swept away many people, and the plot of the story has been cleaned up and tied up. What is Dickens trying to say, with Esther now being a happy woman, the misunderstandings smoothed out, Miss Flite's birds being free, and other semi-happy endings offered in Bleak House?
Essay Topic 3
There is much intrigue and undelivered communication that makes the plot of Bleak House complex and, at times, confusing. Examine in an essay all the ways in which Dickens portrays the dangers of mixed messages and miscommunication in Bleak House.
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This section contains 1,289 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) |
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