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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 type of instruction does the narrator say is included in the story?

2. What does the younger brother want to do?

3. What alteration does the narrator say has been made to the story?

4. What happens with the younger brother?

5. How old is Moll when she is taken in by a kind woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the story opens, why does the writer not reveal her real name?

2. What does the editor claim about Moll's new life in the American colonies?

3. What is Defoe's stated purpose in presenting this book?

4. What is the complication that arises in the new family where Moll lives?

5. How does Moll become closely involved with a wealthy man in Bath?

6. What happens to Moll after her husband dies?

7. How does the novel begin?

8. What excuse does the older brother give for not marrying Moll right away?

9. What is the purpose of the preface to Moll Flanders?

10. How does Moll protest the older brother's suggestion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages expressing your opinion about the importance of MOLL FLANDERS as an example of 18th century fiction and whether it had an effect on later writers. Is there a departure from the norm with this novel that led eventually to books by writers such as Henry James? Discuss whether earlier works of fiction have an influence over works that follow in later years.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on your opinion of Defoe's literary style in presenting Moll Flanders as though she wrote the book herself. Do you think it is effective? How would it be different written in the third person?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the slavery of British criminals in the American colonies. Note any differences between those people transported from England and the black slaves who were bought like cattle. Point out how the British criminals could eventually buy their way out of servitude. Use Moll and James as examples of transported criminals able to start a new life in the colonies.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 679 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample