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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 whom are Albert and Faye throwing a party?

2. What instrument does Rango play?

3. Why does Reynolds refuse to sleep with the narrator/model in "A Model?"

4. Describe the relationship between the aristocratic woman and her lawyer in "The Chanchiquito."

5. What attribute of Faye's purchase for the party lingers on her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship the narrator from "A Model" forms with Reynolds while they are in the countryside.

2. How does Rango treat Hilda after their first, failed sexual encounter?

3. In "The Chanchiquito", what happens to the old lady in Laura's uncle's story?

4. How is Hilda forced to deal with her relationship to the American writer?

5. In what ways is Mary described as being intensely sexual, yet frigid?

6. How does the narrator compare her attractiveness to Miriam's appeal?

7. How does the painter know Bijou is faithless at the Art Ball?

8. Describe the contrasts (physical and personality-wise) between Jan and Laura.

9. How does Hilda change throughout the course of this story?

10. What leads up to Albert finally making love to his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the marriage of Novalis and Maria in terms of their fantasies for one another. Develop a clear thesis statement and be sure to discuss the following (though not exclusively): Novalis's attraction to "Maja Desnuda" and Maria's resemblance to that model, Maria and Novalis's conflicting desires, Maria's conservatism (as well as Novalis's reactions to this), and the changes within their relationship throughout the story. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

One of the continuing themes of this book is to rejoice in life, no matter what is happening around you. How is this used in stories such as "the Woman on the Dunes," "Two Sisters," and "Sirocco?" What is the purpose of these characters using sex to express the joy and unhappiness in their lives? How is this seen in regards to characters who have unfulfilled sexual needs (such as Novalis in "The Maja")? How does this relate to the ephemeral nature of a sexual encounter, as seen in "the Woman on the Dunes?" Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of age and youth in these stories in the following format:

Part 1) The young brides.

Part 2) The sexually adventurous teenagers.

Part 3) The conflicts that arise from partners with a distinct age difference.

Part 4) The cultural differences in youth

Part 5) The compromises within the relationships, as well as the fate of the relationship.

Some of the stories that should definitely be discussed (but not exclusively) include "Saffron," "Sirocco," "a Model," and "Runaway." Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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