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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Lily intend to do with her inheritance from her aunt?

2. What does Lily do because she doesn't have a job?

3. What does Grace Stepney say is the reason for her aunt's death?

4. In Carry Fischer's opinion, what will George Dorset do if he finds out his wife is having an affair?

5. In book 2, chapter 9, what does Lawrence Selden want Lily to do regarding her new position and living situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton criticizes the relationships women have with each other because they are competitive and mean. Choose a relationship between two women in The House of Mirth that best exemplifies the competitive and mean spirit criticized by the author. Explain why you chose this particular relationship.

Essay Topic 2

Name the characters - other than the main character - that are important to the story. Why is each character important? What does each character represent in the story?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 329 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample