1. What is George Eliot trying to communicate with the title, "The Torn Nest is Pierced by the Thorns"?
(a) The Tullivers are like birds living in a torn nest with thorns that poke them.
(b) Creditors keep coming to the door to ask for money.
(c) There are many birds and bird nests in the area around the Tullivers' house.
(d) The Tullivers do not seem to be making any effort to repair their nest and it just gets worse.

2. Why is it hard on Maggie to have her aunts and uncles and cousins come to visit?
(a) Maggie does not like her aunts and uncles and cousins.
(b) Her cousin Lucy does not like to play with Maggie.
(c) Maggie wants to have Tom all to herself.
(d) Her cousin Lucy is much more docile and obedient than Maggie.

3. How does the narrator say that Maggie looks compared to her cousin Lucy?
(a) Like a bright, sharp knife blade.
(b) Like a cold, clear shaft of ice.
(c) Like a rough, dark, overgrown puppy.
(d) Like a newly blossomed rose.

4. How does Tom react when he is offered a share in the business at Guest and Company?
(a) He tells his uncle he'd rather wait a few more years first.
(b) He asks his uncle to buy the old mill instead.
(c) He declines the offer and starts his own business instead.
(d) He immediately accepts.

5. Why does Stephen want to marry Lucy?
(a) She is not a remarkable rarity but is moderate in all things.
(b) He thinks that his family approves of a marriage with her.
(c) She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.
(d) He is madly in love with her and thinks of nothing else.