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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. Who are the first characters introduced in the novel?

2. In what city is the novel set?

3. What are Eddie and Portia doing in the beginning of part 1, chapter 8?

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

5. How does Mrs. Heccomb know Anna?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dickie tell Portia before she leaves Waikiki?

2. What attracted Thomas most to Anna?

3. What happens when Anna and Thomas come home from their trip?

4. How does Thomas feel about Portia?

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

6. How did Eddie get a position working for Thomas?

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

8. How does Major Brutt feel about Anna and Thomas's marriage?

9. What makes Daphne's friends warm up to Portia?

10. Why does Mr. Bursely make Portia so uncomfortable at the party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Eddie established himself as the villain of the story; once Eddie was gone, in many ways, Major Brutt took his place as Portia's confidante and friend. Contrast these two characters. What did Portia learn from each of them? Who had more of an influence on her, for better or worse? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways did Portia's trip to Waikiki influence her? Were the resulting changes good or bad? How was she different after returning home? Were the results of her new behaviors positive or negative? Was she better off, having had that experience? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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