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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 Philip goes to talk to Rachel after having arranged for her allowance, what is he shocked to find her wearing?

2. What disorder does Ambrose compare Rachel's spending to?

3. What does a letter from Ambrose reveal about Rachel?

4. Why is Philip upset about the arrival of his godfather's letter regarding Rachel's allowance?

5. What does Philip think women perpetually think about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rachel say she asked Ambrose not to tell Philip about the baby she was pregnant with?

2. Nick Kendall tells Philip that people he knows were horrified to learn that Ambrose was marrying Rachel. Why were they horrified?

3. How does Philip say Ambrose dealt with things that hurt or shocked him?

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

5. What makes Philip start commenting on the improvement in the foods that are served by his cook?

6. How does Philip avoid seeing his godfather after Christmas?

7. Why does Rainaldi call Philip a "young Solomon?" (157)

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

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

10. Why does Philip ask Rachel what she would have done if Ambrose had left her the estate with Philip to look after it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

During Philip’s illness, he is delusional. Write an essay analyzing the dreams and delusions that Philip has. How do they relate to the story? How do they influence his view of Rachel?

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