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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 kind of book is Larry reading in this chapter?

2. What two things does the author state he has changed in the book?

3. How many years is it until Maugham sees Larry and Isabel again?

4. Why does Maugham think Elliott wants to get Isabel's mind off Larry?

5. In what month of the year do Gray and Isabel get married?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does Maugham give for Elliott helping Isabel?

2. Why does Larry want to go to Paris?

3. Describe Kosti.

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

5. What were the author's reservations about writing the book?

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

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

8. What confirms to Isabel that she has made the correct choice in breaking off her engagement?

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

10. Describe the point of view Maugham uses.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the following statement: "The Razor's Edge fails because it examines the effects of the First World War from too privileged a viewpoint." Using two examples from the book argue for or against the statement.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Maugham's life. In what way do you think his life and personality are reflected in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Maugham use character and setting to express these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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