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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. Charles gives the army the characteristics of ___________.

2. Julia departs for _________ when Charles arrives.

3. Between what wars does the book take place?

4. What do Sebastian and Charles like to drink during the holidays?

5. Sebastian invite Charles out for ________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what Charles sees in the chapel.

2. What is Charles' reason for not wanting a priest to give Lord Marchmain his religious rites?

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

4. How does the ocean liner serve as a metaphor for Charles and Julia's love affair?

5. What had Charles noticed about Sebastian even before they became friends?

6. Why is Rex surprised that Julia wants to divorce him?

7. Why is Julia upset with Bridey's wife in Book 2, Chapters 3 and 4?

8. Why does Brideshead interest Charles so much?

9. Describe Charles' marriage to Celia.

10. Who are the other Marchmain children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the state of the world before the Second World War. Which countries were in power? Which countries were oppressed? What was the state of the world's economy? What kind of environment allowed for such a war and such radical opinion to be accepted by people?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Examine religion in American society. What are the main religions? What different denominations are there? Are certain areas of America more religious than others? What is Waugh's opinion on religion?

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