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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 is Lily wondering about the night before she intends to go to Sunday morning church services with Percy Gryce?

2. How does Lily feel when she sees Lawrence Selden at her cousin's wedding?

3. What does Lily realize as she chats with Gus Trenor on the way home from the train station?

4. What problem might Lily have as shown by the results of her activities the first night of the party?

5. In book 1, chapter 7, how does Percy Gryce react after Bertha Dorset talks to him about Lily?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lily envy Lawrence Selden's lifestyle?

2. In book 2, chapter 7, what is Simon Rosedale's explanation to Lily for his refusal to marry her?

3. At the end of the story, what helps Lawrence Selden understand Lily's financial arrangement with Gus Trenor?

4. What does Gerty Farish tell Lawrence Selden about Lily in book 2, chapter 8?

5. In book 2, chapter 11, what does Lily realize about herself based on Simon Rosedale's love for her?

6. Explain the attitudes of Lily's family members in relation to her social standing and inheritance from her aunt.

7. Describe Lawrence Selden's background.

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

9. In book 1, chapter 12, what is the status of the relationship between Lily and Lawrence Selden?

10. What three options does Lily have regarding her debt to Gus Trenor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several components of quality literature include:

1) use of descriptive words

2) use of analogies, metaphors, and similes

3) an attention-grabbing beginning

4) details

5) appealing to the five senses

Is The House of Mirth is an example of quality literature? Why or why not? Give examples from the story using three of the five components of quality literature to explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Explain one of the following themes as it is developed in The House of Mirth. Use examples from the story to explain your answer.

1) Lily's use of beauty as wealth and to gain wealth.

2) Lily's inability to judge what is appropriate and what is not in her relationships with men.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses foreshadowing throughout The House of Mirth. Give three examples of what you think are the most effective uses of foreshadowing in the story, and why you think these examples are the most effective. Include in your answer what these events foreshadow.

(see the answer keys)

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