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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 event does George Dorset invite Lily to in book 1, chapter 10?

2. How does Lily feel when she learns that Gus Trenor told Simon Rosedale about their financial arrangement?

3. In book 1, chapter 10, where does Simon Rosedale invite Lily to go?

4. Why does Lily join a party with Carry Fischer and another couple in the Adirondacks?

5. How does Lily view the results of her activities the first night of the party?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How would an objective observer describe Gerty Farish?

3. In book 2, chapter 8, what is the status of Lily's relationship with Gerty Farish?

4. What is Lily's goal in attending church with Percy Gryce?

5. In book 2, chapter 5, why does Lily think Simon Rosedale will marry her for love?

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

7. How does Lily react after Mrs. Trenor talks to her about Bertha Dorset in book 1, chapter 7?

8. Even though Lily is in love with Lawrence Selden,why does she fight her feelings for him?

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

10. In book 1, chapter 8, how does Lily describe Gerty Farish?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the causes of Lily Bart's ultimate downfall? Which causes are external? Which causes are internal? Which cause had the greatest influence on Lily's downfall? Why? Was this cause an external or an internal cause?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Answer all parts.

Why did Edith Wharton choose The House of Mirth for the title of the novel?

1) Give examples from the book that explain the title.

2) Do you think the title fits the book? Why or why not?

3) If you could give the book a different title, what would it be? Give reasons for your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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