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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. Who is angry about Rachel wearing the pearl collar?

2. What is Rainaldi's attitude toward Philip the entire time he stays at the estate?

3. How does Rachel treat Philip when introducing him to Rainaldi?

4. What does Rachel wear to church that Philip asks her to remove?

5. What belonging of Ambrose's does Rachel ask to keep?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Seecombe set the table with the good silver and other finery when Rainaldi comes to visit?

2. What excuse does Philip give for Rachel having overdrawn her account?

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

4. What does Philip say is the difference between Mrs. Pascoe's femininity and Rachel's femininity?

5. Why did Ambrose not punish Philip for bringing mice to church with him when he was a boy?

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

7. What does Philip find in his room after going to Pelyn to arrange for Rachel's allowance, and why does it delight him?

8. What made the relationship between Philip and Nick Kendall "cool" after Christmas?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of du Maurier’s central themes is the nature of women. Write an essay discussing the theme. How does the author use Rachel and Louise to demonstrate the nature of women? What idea is the author trying to convey? How does she deliver her message?

Essay Topic 2

The author explores how women are perceived by others. She uses both Rachel and Louise to explore this idea. Explain how the author uses Rachel and Louise to examine the perception of women and how the way others perceive them affects the plot of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Philip’s moods and attitudes toward people and places change based on what is going on in his life. Explain how the author conveys his feelings through descriptions of settings and events as well as through her word choices.

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