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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 Flora wonder about the sukebind on the mantle?

2. Why is Reuben hard at work?

3. Who is meeting Flora and Judith for lunch?

4. Why does Rennett cry?

5. To whom does Reuben propose?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dr. Mudel suggest to "fix" Judith Starkadder and what do you think is Judith's fixation that is causing problems?

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

3. What does Aunt Ada Doom want on the morning of Elfine's wedding and what might her request symbolize?

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

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

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

7. What fairy tale does Elfine's debut at the dance seem most like?

8. Describe Aunt Ada Doom's appearance and behavior in the downstairs when Flora and the others walk in after the ball.

9. What does Harkaway tell Flora and what is her response?

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

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

There are several other important themes in COLD COMFORT FARM. Discuss one of the following:

1. Discuss the theme of self-determination. Give clear and detailed examples.

2. Discuss the theme of rural life versus urban life. Give clear and detailed examples.

3. Discuss the theme of manipulation. Give clear and detailed examples.

(see the answer keys)

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