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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. Who is the teacher in love with Bradley Headstone in Book 2, Chapter 11?

2. Where are Mortimer Lightwood and Eugene Wrayburn sitting when they discuss their office space?

3. Who does Bella take out in Book 2, Chapter 8 and talk about her marriage goals?

4. What do the Boffins show their visitor related to John Harmon?

5. Who does Rokesmith talk to in Book 2, Chapter 14 that is happy about Bella's life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the social situation at the Veneering party in Book 1, Chapter 2.

2. Why is Charley annoyed with his sister in Book 2, Chapter 15?

3. Describe Lizzie Hexam.

4. Describe the arrangement Betty makes with the Boffins in Book 2, Chapter 14.

5. Describe Mrs. Veneering.

6. Describe Mr. Venus.

7. Describe Silas Wegg.

8. Describe Rokesmith's relationship with Mrs. Boffin.

9. Describe the Podsnaps.

10. Describe the inhabitants of the Boffin household by Book 1, Chapter 17.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Dickens' use of humor in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of humor and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 2

Corruption in society is a prevailing theme of Our Mutual Friend. Dickens frequently refers to this theme, painting a bleak picture of London society. Which characters appear corrupt and why? Which characters appear to rise above corruption even if they were initially vulnerable to it? What is your opinion of the society that Dickens describes? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Romance takes on an aggressive quality in Our Mutual Friend. Who are the two characters pursuing Lizzie Hexam? Who does she like and who does she avoid and why? What do her suitors have in common and where are they different? Discuss.

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