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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 an appropriate word to use for the dream picture of Manderley's grounds and garden?

2. Overall, what does this description show the reader about Manderley?

3. What excuse does the narrator give to Mrs. Danvers?

4. How is the narrator reminded of an English spring?

5. Whose things are in the boathouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it that Colonel Julyan and Jack Favell seem to be blind to concerning the meaning of Rebecca's note and her visit to Dr Baker?

2. Why does the protagonist feel like crying when she receives the set of books, A History of Painting?

3. Comment on the significance of Frank's comment that humans enjoy disguises.

4. Comment on the significance of the title "Je Reviens--I come back" for Rebecca's boat.

5. How does the new Mrs. de Winter play into Mrs. Danvers' hands during their conversation.

6. In what way could Rebecca's death justly be termed a suicide?

7. Is James Tabb a rounded character?

8. Why does the protagonist feel that there is "a strange air of unreality" about her first luncheon with Maxim de Winter?

9. Why does the protagonist say that she is coming to dread any reference to the sea?

10. What is the effect of the description of the London streets in Chapter 26 of Rebecca?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Romance and drama are essential to interesting lives, and Rebecca supplies plenty of this!" Examine the romance and drama in Rebecca. What techniques does the author use to create a strong story that engages the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Did Rebecca de Winter deserve to die? Should her husband have been punished (through the law) for her murder? Examine the moral dilemma. Is there indeed a moral dilemma at all? Write the text of a speech you might give to some law students.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you assess the effectiveness of the opening chapters of the novel. Comment on setting, language, characters and the development of mystery.

(see the answer keys)

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