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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. For what does Charles say that the husband no longer has any affection?

2. What is the name of the girl Boy claims he knows at the club?

3. What does Charles find most shocking about Sebastian's family?

4. Who does Charles receive a visit from in this chapter?

5. Who arrives announced at the university in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What steps has Lady Marchmain taken to safeguard her son?

3. From whose point of view is the story told?

4. What is the family's relationship with Cara?

5. Why is Charles appalled at what he sees on his return to Brideshead?

6. To what does Charles compare the army?

7. Describe what Charles sees in the chapel.

8. What does the chapel lamp symbolize?

9. In what does Charles show his difference from the others in the first chapter?

10. Describe Sebastian's parents.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Compare the characters of Charles and Julia.

1) In what ways are their ideas different?

2) What is their relationship to each other?

3) Do you think they are the perfect match?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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