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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 does, Member of Parliament, Sir Matthew Pupker face in the tavern?

2. How does Mr. Lillyvick react when Noggs leaves suddenly?

3. How is Kate welcomed by the women in the workroom?

4. What do Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs do when Noggs arrives?

5. At the Mantalinis' workshop, who arrives to try on wedding bonnets?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Squeers do to help Ralph?

2. Describe Fanny Squeers and Tilda Price.

3. Where does Nicholas travel? Why?

4. What happens as the gathering begins to prepare for performances by Morleena and Miss Petowker?

5. How does Nicholas end up fighting Hawk?

6. What takes place back in Portsmouth?

7. What is Ralph doing at his home?

8. How does Mr. Lillyvick react to this commotion?

9. Why does a fight occur? What does Nicholas do about this?

10. What good luck does Nicholas have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story has a central theme.

Part 1) What is this theme? How is this revealed in the story?

Part 2) Why does Dickens choose this as a theme?

Part 3) How does this theme touch the lives of all the main characters?

Essay Topic 2

The theme and story of Nicholas Nickleby is a reminder.

Part 1) Summarize the story. Of what is it a reminder.

Part 2) What is the author's purpose for writing a story? Why was it made into a play?

Part 3) How does this play enhance or detract from Dickens' story? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Nicholas has a temper.

Part 1) How does this temper change throughout the story?

Part 2) How does his journey of transformation affect his temper? Why?

Part 3) Based on what takes place when Nicholas' temper flares, what might Dickens think about this reaction to anger?

(see the answer keys)

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