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

Short Answer Questions

1. In book 1, chapter 1, what concerns Lawrence Selden and Lord Hubert Dacey about Lily?

2. Why is George Dorset upset when Lily meets him on her way back to the yacht from the casino?

3. What does Lily's aunt assume Lily's debt is for?

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

5. How does Lily react to Lawrence Selden's request regarding her new job and living arrangements in book 2, chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the following statement: The only difference between a falsehood and a truth is whom people choose to believe.

1) Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

2) Give examples from The House of Mirth that prove or disprove this statement.

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

At the end of The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton leaves the cause of Lily's death, accidental overdose, or suicide, unresolved in the reader's mind. Which cause of death do you believe the author was hinting at? Why? What clues does the author give that shows she is hinting at the answer to Lily's death?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 307 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample