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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 the reason the author states he is writing the story?

2. From which country does Kosti come?

3. What does Isabel presume Larry still is?

4. When does Maugham say the stock market crashes?

5. Where does the narrator unexpectedly meet Larry?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Gray and Isabel's appearances differ?

2. Describe Gray Maturin

3. What reasons does Isabelle give for staying with Gray?

4. How is Larry when he meets Isabel and Gray in Chapter 7?

5. How do things change for Elliott in Chapter 6?

6. Describe Suzanne's time with Larry in the country.

7. What is Maugham's opinion of Larry?

8. What happens to Kosti and Larry in Germany?

9. What is Elliot's plan at the beginning of the fourth chapter?

10. What has happened to Elliott in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the novel's characterization. How well drawn do you think Maugham's characters are? Select one of the minor characters such as Mrs.Bradley and discuss how much you know about her background. In what ways does Maugham provide the reader with information about that character?

Essay Topic 2

The Razor's Edge is a famous book which has greatly influenced modern literature. Choose a book written after The Razor's Edge that you think was influenced by the novel and discuss there similarities in terms of

a) plot

b) character

c) themes

Essay Topic 3

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: "The Razor's Edge foreshadows beat literature and Larry is an early example of an American beatnik." Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

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