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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. How does Thomas feel about Anna's idea for an activity?

2. With whom does Anna return home in part 1, chapter 2?

3. How does Major Brutt feel about Anna's marriage to Thomas?

4. What is the school Portia attends like?

5. What possession of Portia's does Anna find in chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Portia comes home early unexpectedly?

2. What is Eddie's response when Portia asks if he and Anna are lovers?

3. What does Portia tell Major Brutt about Anna and Thomas?

4. What do Portia and Lilian talk about during school lunch in chapter 4?

5. Why is Mrs. Heccomb looking forward to Eddie's visit?

6. What is the conversation that Portia has with Thomas in chapter 9?

7. What was Mr. Quayne's life like after he married Irene?

8. On what nights does Matchett say goodnight to Portia?

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

10. What is contained in the first three letters Portia receives from London?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is St. Quentin's words about trust and honor that lead to the conversation which results, ultimately, in the end of Portia and Eddie's relationship. Why might St. Quentin's words have bothered her so much, when none of the other warnings she received had the same effect? Do you think that earlier in the novel, before all of the problems that Portia and Eddie had, that his words would have had the same effect on her? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Bowen utilizes foreshadowing throughout the novel; for example, in the warnings Portia received from others regarding her relationship with Eddie. How effective is Bowen's use of foreshadowing? Are there any other literary devices that would have been as effective in these situations? If so, what are they? Was the foreshadowing too obvious, or was it an effective tool for storytelling? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Eddie and Robert Pidgeon. Why does Anna say that neither of them are particularly genuine men? What character flaws do they share? Are there differences between the two? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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