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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 do the characters think has changed Larry?

2. Wjat does Kosti cheat at in this chapter?

3. What does the author initially state he has not done?

4. What is the name of Suzanne's daughter?

5. Where does Larry say he learned hypnosis?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Elliott's life on the Riviera.

2. Why does Larry leave Paris?

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

4. How does the stock market crash affect the main characters?

5. What are Isabel's thoughts on love?

6. Describe Isabel's marriage and life with Gray.

7. What do the adults say about Larry's future?

8. Describe Suzanne's life in Paris.

9. What does Maugham say about a person's true nature in Chapter 3?

10. Why does Isabel become so lustful in the car?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Razor's Edge is part of the philosophical genre.

1) What are the conventions of the The Razor's Edge genre in terms of character, language and plot?

2) In what way did The Razor's Edge help to set the template for similar novels? Do modern novels still use the ideas used in The Razor's Edge?

Essay Topic 2

Pick a character from the novel and discuss his goals and motives. Does he achieve his motive? Does he share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do his goals clash with other characters' goals? How do the characters goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of the 1920's.

1) Why was greed and loyalty such an issue during this time?

2) In what ways are the characters' negative characteristics a product of their time? Do you think America was going through a transitional phase in the 1920's? What significant changes do you think occurred during this period?

3)Does modern society share any values with 1920's America?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 905 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample