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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. Who gives John Barton a suit to wear for his trip in Chapter 8?

2. What document created by Harry Carson angers the Chartists?

3. What has Alice just been doing when she meets Miss Barton?

4. In Chapter 14, what do we learn happened to Esther's daughter?

5. Who does Jem Wilson rescue from the burning building in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comment do two rude boys make about young Mary Barton in Chapter 2?

2. According to the story she told Jem, what happened in Esther's life since she disappeared years earlier?

3. Why does John Barton suggest the Carsons will be pleased at their mill burning down?

4. What message do John's neighbors tell him to share in London?

5. What advice does Margaret offer Mary about her feelings for Jem?

6. What impedes John Barton's ability to find work in Chapter 10?

7. What does Will Wilson hope to accomplish when he next sails out?

8. When Alice Wilson invites Mary to tea to meet Margaret, what does Mary do before she goes to Alice's house?

9. In Chapter 10, what does Jane Wilson tell Mary about her son Jem's plans?

10. Why does Esther tell Jem she is concerned for Mary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gaskell uses language to make the characters more vivid and realistic. Discuss how Gaskell uses dialect and regional works to bring the Lancashire world to life.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the setting of the novel. How does the setting affect the narrative? How would the story have been different if it were set in a different time? Place?

Essay Topic 3

Rebellion is a recurring motif of the novel "Mary Barton". Discuss rebellion in the novel and what causes the characters to rebel.

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