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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. Why do Sarah and Bendrix choose the Bristol hotel?

2. How does Bendrix reply to Parkis' request for comments on the letter found in Sarah's waste basket?

3. What does Parkis suggest Bendrix pose as when he visits Mr. Smythe?

4. Who does Bendrix pretend to be looking for when he arrives at the Smythes' apartment?

5. Why is Bendrix focused on his newspaper when Sarah arrives at lunch?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Father Crompton act towards Bendrix?

2. Why does Bendrix fear Henry will discover his affair with Sarah when the two make love in her living room?

3. What is ironic about Parkis' son's name?

4. What is unusual about Richard Smythe's appearance?

5. How does Richard Smythe "explain away love"?

6. What is the Cophetua complex? What does it have to do with Bendrix and Sarah?

7. Why does Bendrix begin to doubt that his story is one of hatred in this chapter?

8. What happens to Bendrix after Sarah breaks off their affair?

9. What is the significance of the man spilling his beer in Rules restaurant?

10. What promise does Sarah make to God if He will return Bendrix to life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bendrix's character has been described as selfish and paranoid. Write an essay:

1) agreeing or disagreeing with this characterization

2) proving your position through details from the novel.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Select the most sympathetic and least sympathetic characters in the novel. Write an essay:

1) describing why you think each is sympathetic/not sympathetic

2) defend your position using details from the novel

Essay Topic 3

Sarah's journal offers unique insight into a character (Sarah) other than the narrator (Bendrix). Discuss how the author's decision to include another narrator influences the story. How is the story different because of Sarah's journal? What is the significance of the fact that Sarah did not intend for Bendrix to read her journal? How would the novel be different if Sarah told the entire story? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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