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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. When does Moll realize the older brother only wants her as a mistress?

2. What causes Moll not to go to the older brother's wedding?

3. What does the narrator say the problem is with writing such a story of three decades of crime?

4. What does the narrator say results from any wicked action in the book?

5. Where does Moll go to dress in back as a widow and call herself Mrs. Flanders?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What solution do Moll and her husband-brother come up with to resolve the situation?

3. What does Moll learn about the Men who visit Bath during the summer season?

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

5. To Moll's chagrin, what does the older brother insist that she do?

6. What happens when Moll is only 14-years-old?

7. How does the editor compare the novel to dramatic plays of the day?

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

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

10. How does Moll marry for the third time?

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 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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the use of irony in MOLL FLANDERS. Use the example of Moll and James each thinking the other was rich before they married and finding out that Moll really was a woman of fortune years later when they came to America. Express your opinion about how such ironic twists in a plot tend to make a story more interesting. Comment on whether you think irony happens in real life and give at least one example.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages the position of women in 18th century England and in the colonies. Define the limitations placed on women, their responsibility regarding having children, their lack of rights when a marriage or relationship breaks up, the kind of labor they are limited to doing and the pay scale they are offered.

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