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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 is the most striking attribute of the Belgian consul?

2. What riveting news does Mother receive in a letter from Great Aunt Hermione?

3. Instead of catching Old Plop, what does Gerry catch?

4. Who are Widdle and Puke?

5. Where is the Durrell family planning to move in Part II: Conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What intriguing creature did Gerry find in the crumbling wall, and why did this upset Larry?

2. How did Gerry apply psychology to get his family on board with the idea of him getting a boat for his birthday?

3. Why was Gerry initially suspicious when his family told him his new tutor, Mr. Kralefsky, was interested in birds?

4. How did Mr. Kralefsky's tall tales of saving ladies from danger get him two broken ribs?

5. What event causes the eldest Durrell children for once to agree? What do they agree on?

6. At the end of Part III: Chapter 13, The Snow-White Villa, why does Theodore ponder the idea of having the toads swallow swords?

7. Why are the Durrells having a party in Part 3?

8. Mr. Kralefsky's mother believes flowers can talk and have personality. How does Gerry respond to this idea?

9. Why does Larry go snipe hunting?

10. How are Dodo and Margo alike?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gerry's education, or lack thereof, is almost a constant consideration of Mother's and the family. Throughout the book, Gerry has several tutors, George, the Belgian consul, Peter, and Mr. Kralefsky. Compare and contrast their methods of trying to tutor Gerry. How did Gerry teach them?

Essay Topic 2

The Durrell family children were young when the arrived on the island of Corfu, Larry was twenty-three, Leslie nineteen, Margo eighteen, and Gerry ten. Five years later they left the island bound for England. How were the children portrayed at the beginning of the book? At the end? Explain their character growth, if any over the five year span on Corfu.

Essay Topic 3

Mother oftentimes let the children argue amongst themselves until the words became harsh and mean. What does this say about her mothering style? How was it effective or not? If not, how do you think it would have been best to handle Larry, Leslie, Margo, and Gerry? Cite examples.

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