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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. Once Florence runs from the bedroom and out the door after the couple's first calamitous sexual experience, where does she ultimately end up in her desperate attempt to run away from the situation?

2. What is NOT a sound Florence remembers hearing while "lying still" and "waiting" and feeling she is "in disgrace" (122) during her and her father's two-day boat crossing when she is 12 years old?

3. What is NOT one of the items listed by the narrator as one of the few new foods at Florence's house that he actually enjoys heartily?

4. What is NOT a quality Edward lists among the qualities of Harold Mather's that would have made Harold the perfect victim at Edward's grammar school?

5. The view from Edward's room in Florence's house features what element?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what reason does Florence tell Edward on their wedding night that she is scared about their first sexual experience?

2. When the narrator asks what is stopping the couple from joyously and freely moving to consummate their marriage, what is the narrator's provided reply?

3. What is the significance of Geoffrey's behavior on the tennis courts during the tennis matches with Edward?

4. What event precipitates Edward's declaration of love to Florence and why does it mean so much to Florence?

5. For what reason does Florence ask Edward to tell her "something" as they are getting ready to consummate their marriage (125)?

6. When Edward decides that Florence has deceived him about their love, what reasons does Edward consider for why Florence might be marrying him?

7. How is irony present within the narrator's statement that "It crossed Edward's mind, barely seriously, that he was rather too keen to give his daughter away" (140)?

8. How is irony employed within the narrator's portrayal of Edward's struggle to unzip Florence's dress?

9. What observations does Edward provide about the relationship between Geoffey and his daughter Florence?

10. What is the significance of Edward's move to yank his tie off and to unbutton his shirt with his other hand as he approaches the bed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the themes of truth, lies, and hypocrisy are interwoven within the novella’s narrative.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the reasons for the author's choice to set the story of On Chesil Beach within the early 1960s, rather than during the late 1960s.

Essay Topic 3

What is the novella's message concerning the link between communication and the health of a relationship?

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