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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Dickie ask Portia to dance?

2. Portia writes in her diary that she has learned what from Eddie?

3. Who comes to dinner at the end of chapter 6?

4. What does Anna do as soon as she returns home from her trip abroad?

5. With whom does Portia go on a date in chapter 5?

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 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

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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