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

2. How does Flora feel about her progress in straightening out the farm?

3. Who does Flora deduce is the father of Miriam's children?

4. Of what does Amos accuse Flora?

5. With what thoughts is Adam consumed?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Miriam react to Flora's information about birth control and how is that reaction a reversal of roles between her and her mother?

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

4. What does Judith tell Adam and what does this suggest about Cold Comfort Farm?

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

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

7. What is a probable foreshadowing in this chapter and why do you think so?

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

9. Give a brief description of Cold Comfort Farm.

10. What does Aunt Ada Doom keep talking about and what's your "take" on this?

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

The characters are more important in this novel than the actual storyline. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Compare and contrast Flora Poste from who she seems to be at the beginning of the novel versus who she is at the end of the novel.

2. Compare and contrast Seth and Reuben.

3. Compare and contrast Elfine and Miriam.

Essay Topic 3

Just as COLD COMFORT FARM is a parody of naturalistic literature, so Mr. "Mybug" (Meyerburg) is a parody of the smug literary writer. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss Mr. "Mybug's" character fully. Is he a likeable character? A sympathetic character? Does he change?

2. How do you think Meyerburg's discussion of sexuality in nature adds to the novel as a parody of naturalism in literature? Discuss specific examples.

3. What do you think of Mr. Meyerburg's thesis about Branwell Bronte? Do you think there is any validity to his assertions? Why or why not? (This may require a little research into the Bronte family).

4. Does Meyerburg's literary aspirations create more or less respect for him as a character? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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