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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. One of young Peter's learned skills is

2. At Egdon Heath, the convicts recently heard a lecture delivered by

3. Silenus's architectural style is biased toward

4. Paul learns of Prendergast's fate through

5. Paul learns that Peter Best-Chetwynde has

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Paul is misunderstood as a misanthrope for wanting to stay in solitary confinement. Why does he prefer it?

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

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

5. What is ironic about Captain Grimes, besides the fact that he keeps showing up in Paul's life?

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

7. What is the distinguishing characteristic of Paul Pennyfeather that makes him go to Marseilles on business he is not really sure about--to call on women at an address in the depths of the slums?

8. Describe the trait in Paul Pennyfeather that makes him ask Alistair Digby-Vaine-Trumpington to be his best man.

9. What comparable trait can be said to be possessed by both Margot and Grimes?

10. As they approach King's Thursday, Paul seems to be in reverie. What do his daydreams mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Margot Beste-Chetwynde's cigarette smoking at the sporting event prevents the silver band from playing anything religious, because they feel smoking is sacrilegious. Write a well-researched essay about cigarettes and the smoking of tobacco in the 1920s. Was Margot out of step for her time? How did the general population feel about smoking at that time? Were there any repercussions for smoking in public? Was it more acceptable for men than women?

Essay Topic 2

An astonishing element of this story is that Waugh wants us to notice that no one, including parents and teachers, is terribly concerned over the accidental shooting of little Lord Tangent, not to mention his ensuing death. Look into the American standards for schools and write an essay on the degree to which we protect our children from careless teachers and unsafe conditions. Do we, as a country, have laws about such things? Are the laws strictly local? Are there some lawsuits you can reference about this kind of accident on school grounds? Are the laws different for private vs. public schools?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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