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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Florence's sole source of information about sex?
(a) Nature television programs.
(b) A single day's lesson in health class.
(c) A paperback guide for new brides.
(d) Her mother's three-minute talk.

2. What does Edward do with Florence's hand in the movie theater that causes Florence to leap out of her seat?
(a) He places her hand on her own breast.
(b) He kisses her palm.
(c) He sucks on her finger.
(d) He plunges her hand between his legs.

3. For how many miles does Chesil Beach stretch along the coast?
(a) 18.
(b) 3.
(c) 8.
(d) 12.

4. Florence describes Edward as virtually the only man she has ever met who does not engage in what practice?
(a) Golfing.
(b) Smoking.
(c) Spitting.
(d) Swearing.

5. What is NOT listed among the outdated beliefs about masturbation when the narrator is explaining Edward's feelings about engaging in the practice?
(a) Masturbation causes blindness.
(b) Masturbation is detectable due to the appearance of the person engaging in it.
(c) Masturbation causes hair to grow on one's palms.
(d) Masturbation is sinful.

Short Answer Questions

1. What item does Florence wear when she practices her scales that causes Edward to dream of a future daughter they might have together?

2. For how long does Edward abstain from masturbation before his wedding?

3. Which composer is NOT listed among Florence's favorites?

4. To what city does Edward ultimately take the train on the day he meets Florence?

5. What vague intention does Edward have when he arrives at the train station on the day he meets Florence?

Short Essay Questions

1. What example does the author provide to support the claim that Florence has come to find life within her family home as unbearably oppressive?

2. What is the result of Edward's suggestion that the couple go downstairs to listen to the news on the radio properly?

3. What legend exists about the shingle on Chesil Beach and how does it inform the couple's plans?

4. What is the symbolism of Edward's B- grade on his dissertation?

5. How does the theme of secrecy emerge within the narrator's statement about Edward's previous experiences in hotels?

6. What is the author's purpose for including the detail that on the cover of Florence's paperback guide for brides is "portrayed two smiling bug-eyed matchstick figures holding hands, drawn clumsily in white chalk, as though by an innocent child" (12)?

7. What is the significance of the "contradiction" (28) the author describes as living within Florence's soul from the moment Edward asks her to marry him?

8. What is the effect of Florence finding the penciled performance notes in the trash at the concert hall?

9. How is foreshadowing present within the narrator's description of Florence's attitude toward arguments?

10. What beliefs does Edward draw from listening to blues music at the Hundred Club?

(see the answer keys)

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