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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. For how long does Gordon disappear after his wife is gone?

2. What does Isobel end up asking Audrey?

3. With what is Debbie obsessed when Isobel arrives home?

4. What is the date of the setting of the novel?

5. What does Gordon give Eliza for Christmas one year?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Isobel "see" in the time wrap she experiences in this chapter?

2. How does Debbie explain the raw meat on the table one morning?

3. How do Isobel and Charles find their mother and what do they do?

4. What does Isobel think she sees Mr. Rice doing and what is the outcome?

5. How does Isobel come to find a single, unusual shoe in Vinny's closet and what is Vinny's reaction?

6. Who is Francis Fairfax, and what does the narrator write about him?

7. Give a very brief synopsis of the Fairfax family's status over time.

8. What does Isobel find at the back door when she and Isobel are home alone?

9. Where does Malcolm take Isobel, and what happens there?

10. What does Francis Fairfax give his new wife and what happens to the present?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Any work of fiction has some similarities, yet the structure can engender differences. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the structure of "Human Croquet" and how it informs the plot.

2. Why do you think Atkinson chooses to structure "Human Croquet" the way she does? Give examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Many readers love novels and are indifferent to short stories, and vice versa. Discuss why you think some readers would enjoy one format over another?

4. Choose a short story or play and compare it to "Human Croquet" as far as how structure affects the reading experience.

Essay Topic 2

"Human Croquet" ends on a somewhat positive note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are at least three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Human Croquet" and if it fulfills some or all of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Human Croquet" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you have wished the ending to be different? Why or why not? Would that have changed what the author wished to convey with the book?

Essay Topic 3

Atkinson chooses to write the novel in different points of views. Discuss the following:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this novel being written in several points of views?

2. Do you think the novel would be more effective in a different point of view? Which one if so?

3. When do you think an author is most likely to use the first person point of view? Second person? Third person omniscient? Third person limited?

4. Do you think the narrators in "Human Croquet" are reliable, i.e., do you believe the narrator is completely unbiased? Explain your response.

5. What is your favorite point of view to read? Or do you have a favorite.

(see the answer keys)

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