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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. Who admits giving his daughter chicken feathers?

2. What is Mr. Mybug's real name?

3. With whom is Flora going to stay temporarily?

4. What does Aunt Ada Doom do to the rest of the family?

5. Why does Adam have to practice driving the cart six times?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the twig which Adam uses to wash dishes perhaps symbolic of Adam as a man?

2. What does Flora learn about Seth and how does she plan to use this information?

3. What does Flora realize she will have to do if she is going to fix the lives of the Starkadders?

4. What is ironic about Amos calling Flora "a fornicator"?

5. What self-imposed task seems next to impossible once Flora is confronted with the realities of Cold Comfort Farm?

6. How does Flora put one plan into action to help two of the Starkadder men--Reuben and Amos--to fill a role that is most suited to them?

7. Give a very brief synopsis of COLD COMFORT FARM.

8. What at the opening to chapter 5 demonstrates Flora is no "farm gal"?

9. What do you think the postcard Flora receives might mean?

10. What is Flora's solution to her situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

COLD COMFORT FARM is a parody of late eighteenth/early nineteenth century naturalism literature, such as novels by D.H. Lawrence and Thomas Hardy. Discuss the following:

1. What is the definition of naturalism literature? Give several examples.

2. How does this novel parody naturalism literature?

3. Do you think this is an effective parody? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Comedy is often a part of a parody or satire. Chapter 8 is probably one of the most comedic scenes in the novel. Discuss the following:

1. Who is the Church of the Quivering Brethren? Do you think this church is parodying a "real-life" religion? Which one(s)? Why? Give examples.

2. What does the scene in the church add to the parody as a whole? Is this scene necessary to the storyline? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think comedy often is an integral part of a parody or satire? What purpose does it serve? Is the comedic scene at the Church of the Quivering Brethren successful as comedy? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 6, Flora meets Miriam, whose character parodies works by writers such as D.H. Lawrence who expounded on sexuality in nature. Discuss the following:

1. What is the naturalism view on sexuality in nature? Describe how Miriam's character exhibits this concept.

2. How else does this theme manifest in the book? Give examples.

3. Do you think Miriam's nature is transformed or will it stay the same in her marriage to Urk? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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