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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 literary device is employed in the narrator's statement that for Florence, "It was torture to remain in the room with someone who knew her like this" (131)?

2. To what type of factory does Geoffrey take Edward when thinking about giving Edward a job in his firm?

3. According to Edward's father, Edward's early childhood "had been marked by" (112) what?

4. What color are Edward's eyes?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Edward say would likely have happened if he had beaten Geoffrey in a tennis match?

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

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

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

7. What does the narrator name as Edward's main source of information about women?

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

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 promises do Edward and Florence make to each other surrounding Wigmore Hall?

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

Discuss the many instances of irony within the novella's narrative and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

(see the answer keys)

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