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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 Chapter 10, what does Vivian say is one thing she hates about surprises?

2. In Chapter 8, what cocktails does Julia serve Maddie and Vivian in the morning?

3. In Chapter 12, why does Malcolm apologize to Vivian?

4. In Chapter 11, who does Vivian meet at the steps of the museum Malcolm takes her to?

5. In Chapter 8, what is Maddie doing on Christmas morning?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 10, how do Malcolm and Vivian decide to handle Malcolm's surprise plans for her for the rest of their time together?

2. In Chapter 12, what does Vivian tell Malcolm about her first impression of his nephew Miles?

3. In Chapter 8, what does Malcolm tell Vivian about Miles's big news from Christmas Day?

4. In Chapter 8, how does Maddie suggest she and Vivian handle telling people at home that Vivian will be staying in London for a few days longer?

5. In Chapter 8, what does Miles say to Malcolm during their argument that is particularly hurtful to Malcolm?

6. In Chapter 12, how does Vivian handle Miles's surprise visit to Malcolm's flat?

7. In Chapter 10, how does Malcolm explain his strange behavior from his first day in London with Vivian to her?

8. In Chapter 8, what does Vivian tell Malcolm that makes Malcolm doubt much of what he has planned for the two of them in London?

9. In Chapter 11, what does George Marwick, the museum staff member, do for Vivian that is extraordinary?

10. In Chapter 8, what is different between Malcolm and Vivian for much of the first day they spend together in London from how they were together in Sandringham?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think Vivian's greatest positive impact on Malcolm is in terms of helping him resolve stressful issues or problems in his life? What do you think Malcolm's greatest positive impact on Vivian is in the same regard? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Guillory makes a point of highlighting how different characters respond to Vivian upon first meeting her; she seems to put most people at ease. Write an essay discussing how and why Guillory highlights Vivian's appeal to other characters in the book, and explore how Guillory's descriptions of Vivian's interactions with other people contributes to the development and exposition of Vivian's character.

Essay Topic 3

Why has Vivian chosen to keep her romantic life mostly secret from her daughter Maddie from a young age? Why do you think Vivian persists in keeping this part of her life secret from Maddie even now that Maddie is an adult? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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