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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. What does Grace Stepney do in her anger about the party?

2. What is Lily's plan for Percy Gryce whom she meets while on the train to Bellomont?

3. When does Lily run into Simon Rosedale?

4. The House of Mirth take place during what period?

5. What does Mrs. Trenor ask Lily to do in book 1, chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Bertha has betrays Lily, how does Lawrence Selden feel toward Lily?

2. In book 1, chapter 10, why does Lily donate money to the charity Gerty Farish tells her about?

3. While dining in Monte Carlo, what does Carry Fischer criticize Lily about to Lawrence Selden ?

4. Describe the steps Lily uses in book 1, chapter 2, to attract the attention of Percy Gryce while on the train to the party at Bellomont.

5. Compare Lawrence Selden's feelings about women with Lily's feelings about women.

6. What is Lily's goal in life?

7. What does Gerty Farish think will happen between her and Lawrence Selden because of their friendship for Lily?

8. In book 1, chapter 15, what does Lily realize regarding her debt to Gus Trenor?

9. In book 2, chapter 3, why is Lawrence Selden afraid for Lily's safety regarding Bertha Dorset?

10. In book 1, chapter 13, how does Lily feel when Gus Trenor reveals his true intentions toward her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

List the main events from The House of Mirth. Could you change the order of the main events or leave out any main events? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Answer all parts.

In The House of Mirth, we learn a great deal about Lily Bart.

1) List four adjectives that describe Lily's personality. Include an example from the story to explain each adjective.

2) What is a value or belief Lily has?

3) How does she act on this value or belief?

4) How does Lily change as the book progresses?

5) What causes Lily to change?

Essay Topic 3

In The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton comments on high society and the roles of women in society at the time in which The House of Mirth was written. Choose either the author's comments on high society or the author's comments on women's roles in society at the time. Include in your answer what you believe her opinion is, and why. What is the tone of these comments? What makes you think so? Give examples from the story to explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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