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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. About what must Flora never ask Aunt Judith Starkadder?

2. How does Adam describe Elfine?

3. What excuse does Aunt Ada Doom use to stay in her room?

4. What does Mary assume Flora will do?

5. How would one characterize Amos Starkadder's personality?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. What is the meaning of the word parody?

5. How does Amos's preaching lend itself well to his becoming a traveling evangelist?

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

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

8. How does Flora's plan begin to blossom for getting Amos Starkadder "out of the picture"?

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

10. What does Mrs. Beetle tell Flora about her grandchildren and what is Flora's reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There are a number of symbols in the story, one being the bull called "Big Business," who figures predominantly in Chapter 12. Discuss the following:

1. Why do authors use symbols instead of just being straightforward and telling the reader what s/he should know?

2. How is the bull's name is symbolic? Give several specific examples.

3. Identify two other symbols in the book and their meaning in relation to the book's theme(s).

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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