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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Anna doing while she is standing at the window?

2. Whom is Portia daydreaming about in church at the beginning of chapter 4?

3. Why does Dickie ask Portia to dance?

4. What does Matchett think has changed about Portia while she was at Waikiki?

5. Who else noticed a change in Portia, besides Matchett?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The end of the novel mirrors the beginning; the same characters, and the same dilemmas, but so much has changed. What is different? Why do you think Bowen chose to do this? What significance does it have in terms of the novel as a whole? What message does it send the reader? Do you think Portia's problems will also be cyclical, despite the progress she has made? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 347 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample