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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 about Thompson does Macphail admire?

2. What do the Macphails discuss in their cabin?

3. What term does Thompson use for money?

4. With whom does Davidson argue?

5. Who does not join the group under the shelter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mrs. Davidson's opinion on the fashion of the natives?

2. What was the crux of the conversation held between the women?

3. What is the mode of transportation mentioned at the beginning of the story?

4. What bad news is brought by Davidson?

5. What was one of the accomplishments the Davidsons managed to achieve in their last district?

6. Who lives in the area above the trader's store?

7. What interrupts and annoys the travelers during high tea?

8. What do the travelers do after disembarking from the ship?

9. What are the Macphails' activities the following morning?

10. What happens when Davidson storms into Thompson's room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thompson is clearly a manipulative and powerful woman. Examine the woman's motives. Why do you think she was on the island? What is her back story? What was the crime she committed in San Francisco? What was the right decision made by the governor in regards to the deportation? What might happen to Thompson in the near future?

Essay Topic 2

Macphail believes that many of Davidson's actions are more closely related to fascism than Christianity. Examine the use of religion in relation to leaders trying to get their own way and assert their authority over others. Give examples, results, and consequences.

Essay Topic 3

Rain obviously plays a large part in the story. Explain Maugham's use of rain and related metaphors. How did the rain affect the various characters in the story? What might have changed if the weather had been more agreeable? How did the weather affect the future of the travelers? How did it affect the personalities and moods of the characters? How are you affected by prolonged bouts of rain?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 516 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample