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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. What does Mrs. de Seitas ask Nicholas by telling him a parallel story?

2. Where does Kemp take Nicholas?

3. Who is observing Julie and Nicholas?

4. What confession does Julie make to Nicholas about when she was younger?

5. Where is Nicholas surprised to be placed after he is bound and gagged?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Nicholas sees Lily again and what does he tell her about his weekend with Alison?

2. How does Nicholas feel about Julie and Alison in this section?

3. What factual elements does Nicholas realize were present in Conchis' masque?

4. What does Nicholas tell Julie when they are alone and how does she respond?

5. Why does Leverrier refuse to speak with Nicholas about his personal experience at the villa?

6. What does Nicholas challenge Alison to accept?

7. What does Nicholas do to try to reconcile with Alison and what does he say?

8. What replies does Nicholas get to his letters about Julie and how does this make him feel?

9. In what way does Nicholas surprise Conchis?

10. What does Nicholas see at the end of the long procession that is carried by four men and what is the purpose of this item?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways were climaxes in this novel matched in narrative with sexual ones within the novel? Do you believe this was the author's intention? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What does the author intend to be the biggest shock to Nicholas in this novel? What does the author intend to be the biggest shock to the reader in this novel? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the theme of NIcholas' transformation from the beginning of the novel through the end? Would you describe him at the end as being as selfish, overly indulgent and lazy as he was at the beginning?

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