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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 did Isabel do instead of telling Larry she is having his baby?

2. Which character develops a plan to help Isabel forget about Larry?

3. How often does Sophie say she is at the cafe?

4. What is Patty's role in the war?

5. How old is Elliott?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Elliott

2. Describe Isabal's plan to win back Larry in Paris in Chapter 4.

3. What happens to the four main characters in Rue de Lappe?

4. Describe Elliott's life on the Riviera.

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

6. What does Larry tell the narrator about what he wants in the opening chapter?

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

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

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

10. Describe Suzanne's life in Paris.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the 1920's. How does Maugham express these concerns?

2) In what ways do you think the novel's meaning would change if it were set in today's society?

Essay Topic 3

In 1984, The Razor's Edge was made into a famous film noir film starring Bill Murray. Why do you think the themes and ideas in the book were still relevant forty years later? Do you think the ideas are timeless and universal? Why do you think, in the film, Larry went to Tibet and not India?

(see the answer keys)

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