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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. Catherine Freemantle, a former classmate of Harriet's, married a farmer and now lives where?

2. Whom was Shrewsbury College named after?

3. Who bumps into Harriet and spills her meringues?

4. Peter's nephew asks Harriet to forget about whom?

5. Who is missing from her room when the lights go out in Tudor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Harriet find it difficult to write to Peter after visiting Saint-George in the hospital?

2. What does Harriet find amusing about the invitation to Farringdon's party?

3. What does Harriet learn from Arbuthnot about Peter?

4. Harriet drives to Oxford to attend the opening of the new library and to investigate which incidents?

5. In Chapter 5, what do the Dean and Harriet conclude from the absence of spelling mistakes in the poison pen letters?

6. What is significant about April 1st?

7. In the meeting that takes place during Chapter 5, why is it concluded that the culprit must be a resident at Oxford?

8. How does Saint-George embarrass himself in front of Harriet?

9. Why is Saint-George unable to keep his lunch appointment with Harriet?

10. Why does Harriet offer to help Miss Lydgate with her proofs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point, Peter dines with the faculty members. Answer the following questions about this event.

1) What are two topics discussed during the evening, and what are the opinions given concerning those topics?

2) How does Peter use information he gathers from this evening to solve the mystery?

Essay Topic 2

The issue of women's education versus domesticity occurs frequently in Gaudy Night. Even Harriet is at one time disposed to believe that the culprit is one of the female dons who has gone mad from learning and suppressed sexual desires. How is it ironic that Annie, a married uneducated women, is the mad culprit? Is Dorothy Sayers conveying a message through this? In your answer, consider the author's own life experience.

Essay Topic 3

Compare author Dorothy Sayers with character Harriet Vane. Use at least three specific details in your comparison.

(see the answer keys)

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