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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 Major Brutt feel about Anna's marriage to Thomas?

2. What is Anna upset with Portia about in part 1, chapter 2?

3. What does Eddie tell Portia is important to him?

4. Who stops by the Quaynes' home at the beginning of part 1, chapter 7?

5. What advice does Matchett give Portia about Eddie?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Anna upset that Portia is missing her mother?

3. Portia tells Lilian she wants to confront Eddie about what?

4. Why is Anna avoiding going home?

5. According to Matchett, what changed about Portia during her trip to Waikiki?

6. What advice does Daphne give Portia, regarding Eddie?

7. What does St. Quentin tell Portia about friendship?

8. How does Matchett feel about Mrs. Quayne?

9. Eddie tells Portia that he will always love her, but under what conditions?

10. What does Portia tell Lilian about why she likes Eddie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Anna and Portia. What similarities do the two share? How are they different? Do you think it was their similarities or their differences that made their relationship with one another so difficult? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Bowen ends the novel with a cliffhanger; what will happen to Portia, or any of the other characters never is really established. Why do you think Bowen chose to do so? How satisfying is this ending to the reader? Why? Would you have liked to see a stronger resolution? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Portia's diary is a very important plot point. How did it tie the major characters together? What effect did it have on Portia's development into a woman? What problems did it cause with the people around Portia? Why do you think Bowen chose to use Portia's diary as one of the most important objects in the novel? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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