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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. Which Starkadder does Flora encounter in Howling?

2. Who is next on Flora's agenda to be fixed?

3. What does Flora advice Richard's mother?

4. What does the Starkadder tell Flora that is disconcerting?

5. What does Mr. Neck say the woodshed line is?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the significance of the sukebind?

3. Whose perspective does chapter 14 begin with and what may it portend?

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

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

6. How do you think Flora is feeling by the end of the wedding?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wrapping it up: Though COLD COMFORT FARM is a parody of another type of genre, its characters are endearing and memorable and much of what happens to the characters is not entirely in the realm of improbability. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Discuss the tradition of storytelling and how it is used in this novel.

2. Each person in this novel, and in "real" life has his or her own "story." Choose three characters and briefly tell his or her "story" from a different perspective than that which is shown in the book.

3. Stories can be classified in various ways--"tall tales" are obviously not meant to be believed as having actually occurred. Factual stories supposedly tell something exactly as it truly happened. Many stories are a mixture of fact and fiction. Choose four of the stories in this book and analyze them as to their seeming veracity, their purpose, and how they add to the plot and major themes.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 6, Flora meets Miriam, whose character parodies works by writers such as D.H. Lawrence who expounded on sexuality in nature. Discuss the following:

1. What is the naturalism view on sexuality in nature? Describe how Miriam's character exhibits this concept.

2. How else does this theme manifest in the book? Give examples.

3. Do you think Miriam's nature is transformed or will it stay the same in her marriage to Urk? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter four, rural suspicion and urban sophistication collide as Flora arrives on the farm. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare and contrast the rural elements of the novel to the urban sophistication of Flora and her friends.

2. Discuss the ways Flora gradually gets most of the Starkadder's to trust her and to lay aside their suspicion.

3. Which characters are most likely to discard their rural mannerisms and become more a part of urbanity? Which are least likely? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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