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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Carrie describe the violin player?

2. Why does Bouchalka rush off from Cressida's party?

3. What is the major focus of Part 3?

4. Why would it be natural that Brown gets along well with Poppas?

5. Who does not sail back to the States with Cressida, having gone on ahead a week earlier?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An entire section of this story is devoted to an in-depth accounting of Cressida's relationship with Bouchalka, the Bohemian. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Briefly describe how Cressida meets Bouchalka and the development of their romance.

2. Does Bouchalka seem totally devoted to composing when he is first described? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think Bouchalka lost his motivation to compose once he was no longer "hungry"?

4. Do you think Bouchalka would have continued his career as an excellent composer if he had not become a "kept" man?

Essay Topic 2

While Carrie and Cressida are chatting, Cressida says, "'It may mean that I still belong to the future more than to

the past, do you think?'" Knowing that Cressida's future turns out to be a watery grave on the bottom of the ocean, this passage could be considered an example of irony. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Define the word irony and give examples of it from your own life.

2. How does the use of irony enhance this story and literature in general?

3. There is a literary term called "dramatic irony." Define this term and see if you can find any instances of it in this story. Can you name other books or movies where you have encountered a dramatic ironic situation?

Essay Topic 3

One of the first characters encountered in the story is a man by the name of Miletus Poppas. Poppas plays a significant role in Cressida's life. In fact, Cressida attributes her success solely to this man. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your life experience:

1. Briefly describe both the physical and emotional characteristics of Poppas.

2. Give examples from the story as to whether you believe Poppas was sincere in his love and admiration for Cressida.

3. After Cressida's death, Poppas receives a bequest of $50,000. Do you believe Poppas deserves this bequest? What does it say about the family in that they contest this bequest?

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