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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. When does Matchett come to wish Portia goodnight?

2. What type of attraction does Eddie deny exists between himself and Portia?

3. What is Portia doing, instead of listening to her teacher?

4. What did Portia's father say about Thomas and Anna's home?

5. What does Thomas wonder about Portia and Eddie?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Anna know Mrs. Heccomb?

2. Why do Anna and Thomas decide to send Matchett to retrieve Portia?

3. What happens when Portia comes home early unexpectedly?

4. Why doesn't Portia want to write in her diary how she feels about leaving Waikiki?

5. What happens when Matchett finds the letter from Eddie under Portia's pillow?

6. What does Eddie do at Mr. Bursely's get-together?

7. Why is Portia staying with Anna and Thomas?

8. How does Eddie react when Portia confronts him about holding Daphne's hand?

9. How does Thomas react to Portia visiting him in his study?

10. How does Daphne greet Portia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Portia has many weaknesses; her insecurity, her eerie silence, et cetera. Choose one of these weaknesses, and examine how it might have contributed to her poor relationship with Eddie. After the relationship with Eddie came to an end, was this facet of her character improved, or worsened? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Bowen utilizes many different literary devices throughout the course of the novel. Choose one of these devices, and examine Bowen's usage throughout the novel. How effective is Bowen's employment of this device? Are there any ways in which her usage of it could have been more effective? If so, how? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Major Brutt was shocked by the idea that Anna had married Thomas, because he could only remember her as a lover to Robert Pidgeon. Compare and contrast the characters of these two men. Who seems like a better fit for Anna? Do you think she would have been happier, had she married Robert instead of Thomas? What are the differences between these two men? Are there any similarities? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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This section contains 788 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample