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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 Crowl volunteer to do?

2. By what is this man distracted?

3. At the close of the first performance of Nicholas' new play, who visits him?

4. Who is the older Nickleby son?

5. Who sets off on a journey with Nicholas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What takes place back in Portsmouth?

2. What good news does Noggs have for Nicholas?

3. What happens when Ralph arrives at his office?

4. What does Miss Knag do for Kate?

5. As Nicholas and Smike rehearse the scene in which Romeo persuades the Apothecary to ignore his conscience and take the money for the poison, what is Ralph doing?

6. What happens when Nicholas encounters John Bowdie?

7. For what is Gride preparing?

8. Describe the boys at Dotheboys Hall.

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

10. What does Crummles tell the company, when he arrives with Nicholas and Smike?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Minor characters, plot lines, and events are significant.

Part 1) Describe these minor characters, plot lines, and events.

Part 2) How are they significant? How do they reinforce Dickens' writing style?

Part 3) What is the connection between these minor details and the main characters and plot lines?

Essay Topic 2

Nicholas is symbolic.

Part 1) Describe Nicholas. What does he represent?

Part 2) How does one know this is how he is symbolic?

Part 3) Why does the playwright use Nicholas to be symbolic? Use the play to support your response.

Essay Topic 3

Parallel scenes from other stories are used in this story.

Part 1) What other stories are found in this story? What is the purpose of this?

Part 2) How do these stories enhance Dickens' story?

Part 3) How does the way these stories are used reflect the time in which Dickens' story takes place?

(see the answer keys)

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