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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Miss Howe finds out that Clarissa has run off with Lovelace, what does Miss Howe advise Clarissa to do?
(a) Hold out for as much money as she can get before agreeing to marry him.
(b) Marry Solmes as soon as possible.
(c) Marry Lovelace as soon as possible.
(d) Run away to New York and become an actress.

2. Why does Dr. Lewen refuse to perform the wedding ceremony?
(a) Because Dr. Lewen earlier fought a duel with Solmes.
(b) Because Clarissa does not consent.
(c) Because Dr. Lewen can not stand the Harlowes.
(d) Because Dr. Lewen is sick with gout.

3. Clarissa admits she would prefer Lovelace if only he had what quality?
(a) A great singing voice.
(b) Morality.
(c) Good looks.
(d) Wealth.

4. When Mr. Lovelace proposes marriage to Arabella, why does she say no?
(a) She does not like the way he talks to her.
(b) She never liked him in the first place.
(c) She has heard he has seduced a lot of women.
(d) She never wants to get married at all.

5. Who is Mrs. Townsend?
(a) Clarissa's godmother.
(b) A lady merchant; Miss Howe plans to ask her to help Clarissa.
(c) Lovelace's mistress.
(d) Clarissa's aunt.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Clarissa threatens to commit suicide in the dining room, what weapon does she have with her?

2. How does Clarissa escape while Lovelace is visiting Lord M?

3. How does Lovelace know about everything that happens at Clarissa's house?

4. In letters 22-36, does Clarissa want to marry Solmes or Lovelace?

5. What does Lovelace tell Clarissa that makes her feel bad for him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think the suffering of the bad characters at the end of the novel fits their crimes?

2. What is the point of Clarissa leaving nothing to James, Arabella or Lovelace?

3. After Clarissa reveals that Lovelace used drugs to ravish her, the Howes suggest legal action. Why do you think no one brought up this idea before?

4. After Clarissa's ravishment, she believes she is losing her mind. Lovelace blames it on the effect of the drugs he used on her. Based on her symptoms, do you think it is the drugs or the rape that makes her act the way she does?

5. Do you believe Lovelace will really go through with his plot to rape Miss Howe and Mrs. Howe? Why or why not?

6. How does Clarissa's will continue to develop her character?

7. When Miss Howe describes Clarissa's character in response to Belford's request, how closely does the description Miss Howe gives fit your understanding of Clarissa's character as it has been developed earlier in the novel?

8. Dolly says that if she were in Clarissa's position, she would marry Lovelace. What do you think Clarissa should do?

9. How does Clarissa's discussion with the doctor about her death characterize her?

10. Why do you think Clarissa keeps refusing the money people offer her?

(see the answer keys)

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