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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. How many spikes does the young wife say the countess is spiked by?

2. Who does the cigar remind the young girl of?

3. Where did the mother spend her childhood?

4. What does the young wife do the moment the house keeper leaves the room?

5. What is the only thing the young wife says she can manage on the piano?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Carter use color in the novella?

2. Why do you think Carter does not use names for the main characters?

3. Why do you think the young wife would want to marry the Marquis if she does not love him?

4. Why do you think the husband tries to tempt his young wife with the small key?

5. Why does the husband looking at his wife 'like horse flesh' take her breath away?

6. Describe the castle setting.

7. In what ways is the young woman experienced?

8. What is the girl's reaction to seeing her husband's pornography?

9. Why does the girl decide to enter the private room?

10. What do you know about Marquis's from other popular fiction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book is set in Brittany in France. Why do you think Carter sets her story here? What meaning does it add? What difference do you think there would be in the story if it was set in another country or region?

Essay Topic 2

The piano tuner is the only character Carter gives a name to. Why do you think Carter does not give the main characters a name? Is it significant that the piano tuner is the only character to have a name?

Essay Topic 3

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact chronological setting of the novel. What year do you think it is set in? What clues are there to suggest it is from that year?

(see the answer keys)

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