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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 does Charles find most shocking about Sebastian's family?

2. Who is the only character put on trial in this chapter?

3. Why have the Marchmains never divorced?

4. To what does Charles compare his service?

5. Where are Ryder and his troops going?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Rex impart to Charles about the Marchmain family?

2. Why do you think the Marchmain family consults a doctor before calling for a priest for their father?

3. How does Charles travel to Venice in Chapter 4?

4. Why does Charles go in to search of Sebastian?

5. In what is Sebastian showing signs of coming off the rails?

6. What agreement do Charles and Celia come to in their divorce case?

7. How does Charles continue his love affair with Julia when they arrive back in London?

8. In what way is the theme of religion prevalent in Book 2, Chapter 5?

9. Summarize the story.

10. How have the other characters in the story lead Charles to religion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

2) Away from the main character, Charles, examine the way Waugh uses the other characters in the story. Does he use him or her for dramatic effect or comic aside? When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

By having everyone convert to Catholicism, including Sebastian's atheist father, the book loses some of its impact. Using two examples from the book, ask the students to write a classroom essay either in support or against the statement.

Essay Topic 3

The novel is partly set in London.

1) What meaning does London bring to the novel? What would you automatically presume about a novel that is set in London?

2) How different do you think today's London is to the London in the novel? How do you think the novel's meaning would change if it were set in today's London?

3) How do you think the interior settings of the novel contribute to the novel's dark atmosphere?

(see the answer keys)

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