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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 happens to Simon Rosedale's fortune as the stock market drops?

2. What does Lawrence Selden see when he goes to the Trenor house to look for Lily?

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

4. In book 1, chapter 5, why does Lily waste time once she is outside after leaving the library?

5. In book 1, chapter 12, why does Gus Trenor criticize Lily after her participation in the party entertainment?

Short Essay Questions

1. In book 1, chapter 7, what does Bertha Dorset do to get back at Lily for spending Sunday afternoon with Lawrence Selden?

2. Explain Carry Fischer's reasoning in book 2, chapter 6, for Lily to marry either George Dorset or Simon Rosedale.

3. Explain Lawrence Selden's idea of success.

4. At lunch in Monte Carlo, Carry Fischer tells Lawrence Selden that a prince was about to propose to Lily, and then Lily started flirting with his stepson. What incident from book 1 is this situation similar to regarding Lawrence Selden?

5. Why doesn't Lily use the letters she acquired from Mrs. Haffen to get back at Bertha Dorset?

6. In book 1, chapter 10, why does Lily continue her arrangement with Gus Trenor?

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

8. 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.

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

10. In book 1, chapter 1, why is Lawrence Selden surprised that Lily accepts his offer to have tea alone with him in his apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One theme developed by the author in The House of Mirth is how men and women related to each other during the time in history in which The House of Mirth is set. Compare and contrast the relationship between men and women during the time in which The House of Mirth is set to the relationship between men and women today.

Essay Topic 2

Answer all parts.

Edith Wharton ends The House of Mirth with a word left unsaid by both Lawrence Selden and Lily.

1) What do you think that word is? Why? Use examples from the story to explain your answer.

2) If Lawrence Selden and Lily had both been able to say the word to each other, would the ending of the story have been different? Why or why not?

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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