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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 does Rachel do with the pearl collar when she hears Philip and Nick Kendall arguing about it?

2. What reason does Philip give Rachel for why she cannot give lessons?

3. What suspicion did Ambrose have about Rainaldi?

4. What word does the vicar use to describe Rachel?

5. What does Philip decide to do after Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Philip plan to do to appease Louise after he failed to visit her because he was riding with Rachel?

2. Why did Ambrose compare Rachel's spending to kleptomania?

3. What is the special about the pearl collar that Philip gives Rachel for Christmas?

4. Why is Nick Kendall upset about Philip giving Rachel the pearl collar?

5. What does Rachel do that makes Philip tease her that she will become a midwife?

6. Why does Philip think he can keep his name out of the business of giving Rachel an allowance?

7. Why does Philip put his muddy feet up on the footstool while Rachel tells him about her visits?

8. After the Sunday dinner guests leave, what does Rachel say she likes about entertaining?

9. Why is Philip so disconcerted by Rachel's tears when they argue about her allowance?

10. Why does Philip say that his dogs care less about him since Rachel came?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though the topic of the novel is a serious one, the author still finds ways to infuse the book with humor. Write an essay explaining how the author uses humor. How does humor affect the reader’s perception of the characters? What does the author hope to achieve through humor?

Essay Topic 2

Philip gives Rachel an expensive pearl collar for Christmas, which angers his godfather. Write an essay explaining the significance of the gift. How does the gift affect the plot of the novel? How does it affect the relationships between the characters? Did Philip intend for Rachel to interpret the gift as an intention to ask her to marry him? Does Rachel know what he intended by the gift?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the influence Philip’s upbringing had on him. How does it affect his relationships with women, particularly Louise and Rachel? How does it affect his views of women and marriage?

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