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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. By what name does Flora know old Mrs. Starkadder?

2. Who wakes Flora in the morning with their arguing?

3. How does Seth enter the room?

4. Why does Reuben eye Flora with some hostility?

5. What does Miriam think of the idea of birth control?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Briefly characterize each of the main Starkadders introduced in Chapter 3.

4. Why is Flora frustrated about her time at Cold Comfort Farm and do you think she is being unrealistic in her expectations?

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

6. Describe Flora's conversation with Reuben about Cold Comfort Farm; do you think Flora is sincere?

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

8. What surprises Flora about Mrs. Beetle and how do you interpret Flora's reaction to Mrs. Beetle?

9. Which reply from the relatives seems most intriguing and why?

10. What is the topic of the book Mr. Mybug is writing and what is Flora's reaction to hearing about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some readers might argue that Flora is an empathetic character despite her meddling ways. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to be an empathetic character? Give examples from other books/stories you have read.

2. Do you think Flora is an empathetic character? Why or why not? Give examples to support your stance.

3. If Flora is an empathetic character, does this make her meddling more honorable or justifiable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The story is set in motion as Flora makes up her mind to stay with the relatives on Cold Comfort Farm. There is a mystery alluded to, which the author never solves--that of a debt owed to the daughter of Richard Poste. There is also a rather melodramatic statement that Cold Comfort Farm is doomed, as alluded to in the post card Flora receives from an unknown writer. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Why is Cold Comfort Farm doomed and does that change? Use specific examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What is the mystery about Flora Poste's father? Is the mystery solved to your satisfaction? If not, do you think the book is flawed because of this? Why do you think the author chooses not to totally solve the mystery?

3. Do the first two chapters make you want to continue reading the book? Why or why not? From what you learn in the first couple chapters, does the rest of the book seem to make sense? What does not fulfill your original expectations after reading the first two chapters? Does this have any effect on your overall satisfaction with the book?

Essay Topic 3

If there is a manipulator, there has to be those who are manipulated. Discuss the following:

1. What are some of the ways Aunt Ada Doom manipulates her family? Give specific examples.

2. Why do you think the family allows themselves to be manipulated? Discuss several of the main characters specifically.

3. Why is Aunt Ada Doom not able to manipulate Flora Poste? Why does Aunt Ada Doom believe she cannot manipulate Flora?

(see the answer keys)

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