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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 NOT listed among the actions Geoffrey takes that show he is never truly relaxed?

2. What breakfast food does Edward encounter at Florence's house that previously he had known "only from a James Bond novel" (144)?

3. When Florence asks Edward if he wants to know a secret, she tells him that she is feeling what emotion?

4. When Geoffrey and Edward sit together in the garden at Florence's house, what subject do they always discuss?

5. When Edward thinks of his future daughter with Florence becoming a musician, which instrument does he not "entirely rule out" (153)?

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. What is the author's purpose for introducing Edward's memory about the combine harvester?

3. 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)?

4. Who is Harold Mather and what is the significance of his character?

5. 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?

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

7. What qualities of fistfights appeal to Edward?

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

9. 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?

10. What evidence is given for the assertion that Marjorie likes Florence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of Marjorie's character within the novella? Discuss the characterization methods used by the author in depicting Marjorie and include in your discussion the reasons that the author portrays her in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 2

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Ian McEwan's novella On Chesil Beach. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about the novella while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novella's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, the silencing of women's voices, misogyny's effects upon society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the book.

(see the answer keys)

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