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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. When Potts arrives, on Grimes' trail, Paul

2. Official papers are signed that say

3. The author refers to Paul's shadow which is

4. What is Wilfred Lucas-Dockery's ambition?

5. What can we assume about Paul's friend, Potts, at this point?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Paul's response to the mysterious diagnosis, the trip to the hospital and his freedom?

2. Sir Wilfred Lucas-Dockery represents a certain type of character in Waugh's coterie of nuts. Describe him.

3. Paul seems to have a temporary coming-out when he travels to London and meets with Potts. How is he different?

4. Margot Beste-Chetwynde had been at King's Thursday only once before she purchased the property many years later. Discuss that visit.

5. What is about Margot that is so attractive to Peter? What personal motivation of Margot's does she make very clear to the men around her?

6. What is Peter Beste-Chetwynde doing at Scone College? How does Paul feel about him?

7. Compare the two names held by Maltravers -- Maltravers and, now, Metroland. What is Waugh trying to say?

8. Why do you suppose Potts is intercepting Margot's interviewees across the street as they leave her residence?

9. Discuss Dr. Fagan's current state of affairs at Llanabba.

10. Grimes has supposedly met with a terrible death in the bogs. Does Paul mourn his passing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a well-researched, detailed essay on the League of Nations. Why was it formed? What was its purpose, and what caused its demise? Was the US involved in it or affected by it? Do we have anything similar to it today?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the gentleman's code of conduct to which Paul Pennyfeather subscribes. What was its origin? Why would people cling to it after so many years? In what way was it a benefit to be considered a "gentleman?" Did this code carry over to the new world when people began to settle in America? Describe the code, what it required and its meaning to the different classes of society in Britain and in the early U.S.

Essay Topic 3

Decline and Fall is a hilarious story that would lend itself well to a stage play or movie. Research to determine whether the story has ever been scripted for either. If so, include in your essay when, where and how the story was presented, the actors and producers and any reviews that might have resulted.

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