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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. Where does Nordstrom want to be?

2. When Ludlow finally goes downstairs to dinner, what depresses him?

3. How does Alfred end up in the hospital?

4. Sarah offers him a line of cocaine, but what does Nordstrom want?

5. How long does Ludlow stay in his room after his sons leave?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tristan escape the hospital? What does he do after his escape?

2. How does Nordstrom spend his time at his going-away party?

3. What takes place when most of the people have left the dinner?

4. What does Tristan do to two of the Irishmen that are out to kill him?

5. What does does Nordstrom do on his way to his appointment with the psychiatrist?

6. What are the consequences for Tristan's beating of the officer?

7. Why is Susannah feeling better in the new house in Helena?

8. How does Tristan receive the ship back from the British?

9. What does Nordstrom discuss with his psychiatrist?

10. How does Tristan play a role in Susannah's suicide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tristan retreats to the sea.

Part 1) Why does he retreat to the sea? How is the sea symbolic?

Part 2) How does this retreat reflect Tristan's feelings at this time?

Part 3) How does this time at sea change the course of his life? How is it significant and life-altering for Tristan?

Essay Topic 2

Tristan's response to Samuel's death is surprising.

Part 1) How does Tristan react? Why might he react this way?

Part 2) How do others treat him, because of his reaction? Why?

Part 3) How does Tristan's reaction and feelings about Samuel's death affect him throughout the rest of his life? How does his behavior affect those around him?

Essay Topic 3

Nordstrom has a preoccupation with sexuality.

Part 1) How is this reflected in his relationships? What might cause this preoccupation?

Part 2) How does his sexuality change throughout the story? With what other events do these sexual or lack of sexual feelings parallel?

Part 3) Would you consider this preoccupation normal? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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