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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. In what city does Gray want to set up his business?

2. Why does Elliott refuse to lend Paul his costume?

3. For what does Maugham apologize to the reader?

4. Why does Isabel plant the vodka?

5. Why is Toulouse good for Sophie?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Larry learn about evil in India?

2. What does the Indian say is significant about the sculptures in the cave?

3. Do you think there is anything suspicious about the incident with the vodka?

4. Explain what Larry sees and feels when he experiences the Absolute?

5. What does Elliott say in answer to Edna's invitation?

6. What does Maugham imagine about Isabel and Gray's life in Texas?

7. What reasons does Larry give for wanting to marry Sophie?

8. In what way does Maugham criticize the church?

9. Why does Isabel leave the vodka to tempt Sophie?

10. In what way does Sophie embody the book's theme of good and evil?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Maugham use character and dialogue to drive the narrative.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main character, Larry, examine the way Maugham uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

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

Examine the novel's dialogue. How does Maugham's dialogue contribute to the following areas:

1) Character

2) Setting

3) Plot

(see the answer keys)

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