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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. How long has Isobel been in the hospital?

2. Who does Gordon invite to tea?

3. Where is Gordon headed when this chapter opens?

4. What does Malcolm want to do?

5. What is Debbie engrossed in doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impressions does Isobel have about where she is at the end of this chapter?

2. When does Isobel awake from her coma, and what does she learn about why she is in the hospital?

3. How does Violet Angela end up leaving Herbert and Maude?

4. Who is having breakfast when Isobel goes downstairs and how is everyone at the breakfast table?

5. What does Isobel say about Eunice?

6. What is the time and purpose of this chapter?

7. What does Isobel do with Malcolm in Hilary's bedroom?

8. What does Isobel say about Audrey?

9. How does Lady Fairfax end up being with Robert Kavanagh?

10. What does Gordon think of Eliza, and how do Charlotte and Vinny think of her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Human Croquet". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Atlkinson chooses the symbols she does? Do you think Atkinson consciously decides upon the symbols to represent various elements of "Human Croquet"? Why or why not.

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Atkinson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Atkinson's use (or lack ) of literary devices (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Atkinson use too many or too little literary techniques? State to which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Many books are often made into a movie based upon the book. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon "Human Croquet"? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie would differ from the book? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Human Croquet".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Human Croquet". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Human Croquet". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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