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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Lily's reaction after aunt's will is read?

2. What does Lily ultimately do with the letters between Bertha Dorset and Lawrence Selden?

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

4. What is Lily's immediate response to the offer Simon Rosedale makes to her in book 2, chapter 11 ?

5. What causes Lily's insomnia?

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

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 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)

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