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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Lily relate Ned Silverton's situation with Bertha Dorset to her own life?

2. In book 2, chapter 2, who does Lily decide to become friends with after Carry Fischer warns Lily about her behavior the previous night ?

3. In book 2, chapter 6, why does George Dorset apologize to Lily while at the Gormers ?

4. What new job does Lily acquire in book 2, chapter 10?

5. Who does Lily visit the morning after Simon Rosedale makes his offer to her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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