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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. Septimus is no longer able to ________________.

2. What does Septimus think about as he and Rezia walk toward their appointment?

3. How long have Hugh Whitbread and Richard Dalloway been friends?

4. Septimus' condition is probably what is today called ________________________.

5. To which author's work did Septimus want to introduce Rezia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rezia hide Septimus' writing and drawings?

2. What hope does Rezia hold out for regarding the appointment with Sir William Bradshaw?

3. How does Rezia feel about Septimus being admitted to a home?

4. Why does Richard find it difficult to express his love for Clarissa?

5. What is the unspoken rivalry between Hugh Whitbread and Richard Dalloway?

6. Where did Rezia first meet Septimus, and what was her perception of him?

7. What is the strained relationship between Miss Kilman and Clarissa?

8. Why does Sir William recommend that Septimus be put into a home?

9. How does Elizabeth feel about Miss Kilman's feelings for her?

10. What is Septimus' state of mind as he lies on the sofa in the sitting room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the novel's simple title -- "Mrs. Dalloway". Why did Woolf choose this title? Is there an understood message in the title? Is there another title you can suggest that might be more appropriate?

Essay Topic 2

Woolf was a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, and then briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

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