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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 day is it at the opening to this chapter?

2. Who does Reuben settle upon for marriage?

3. About what does Reuben worry?

4. Who has Flora "squared away" by the end of this chapter?

5. Who arrives at Cold Comfort Farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do you think the situation with Flora and the bull is symbolic of Flora with the lives of the Starkadders?

2. What is ironic about the scene with Urk and Miriam?

3. How are Seth's life and Elfine's life similar?

4. How is Aunt Ada Doom's manipulative efforts symbolic of the change that is occurring to the Starkadder clan?

5. What is the parallel between Flora and Mr. Neck?

6. What actually produces an emotional response from Flora (as opposed to her usual practical nature) and how does Flora deal with the situation?

7. What convinces Flora that there is more to Seth than meets the eye and what does it seem she will do about him?

8. What do you think is the symbolic meaning of Flora having the sukebind removed?

9. What is Flora's next tidying-up project and how does she start it?

10. What does Flora give Elfine to help her and do you think it will?

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

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

Aunt Ada Doom may be the least likeable character in the novel--at least until the very end of the book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully analyze Aunt Ada Doom's character. Is she a sympathetic character? Likable? Believable?

2. Do you believe Aunt Ada Doom actually "saw something nasty in the woodshed"? Why or why not?

3. Do you believe Aunt Ada Doom is actually crazy? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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