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

Short Answer Questions

1. After a friendly dinner at the Bagnets', Mr. Bucket ___________.

2. Sir Leicester is overwhelmed and suffers from ___________.

3. Richard's money continues to flow to ___________.

4. Mr. Jarndyce turns Esther over to Woodcourt and again becomes ___________.

5. Mr. Vholes wants to let Mr. Jarndyce know about ___________.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 22 of Bleak House, Mr. Bucket makes reference to the "fever houses" in London. Research the epidemics of typhus and smallpox that swept through England in the 1800s. What was the statistical impact, how were the diseases treated, and how were they brought under control?

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

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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This section contains 288 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample