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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. How much money does Fanny convince John to give his sisters and stepmother?

2. Who does Lucy say she has been secretly engaged to for a year?

3. What does Marianne notice under Edward's ring?

4. Why does Mrs. Jennings say Sir John will be disappointed?

5. Which of the following words does Austen use to describe Sir John?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is it important that Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are opposites?

2. Why is the fact the sisters are going to London so important?

3. Is Elinor a better match for Edward than Lucy?

4. Outline what you think are Elinor's main characteristics.

5. Is Mrs. Jennings merely a gossip, or does she genuinely care about people?

6. Is Marianne in love with Willoughby?

7. What does Sir John's character say about eighteenth century upper class?

8. Why is Elinor presented as the one who will make the right decisions for the Dashwoods?

9. In what way does Austen use Colonel Brandon to highlight the sister's differences in character?

10. Why does Elinor dislike Willoughby so much?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jane Austen often presents John Dashwood as a figure to make fun of. Do you think this is fair to his character? Is his decision not to give his sisters any money more than just a financial decision? Does he try to make it up to them as the story progresses? What does this say about his character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss whether you think the Colonel is a good match for Marianne. Is he a direct replacement for her sister? Do you think the match is more for the sake of Elinor than Marianne? If so, how much does Elinor's practicality oppress her sister's spontaneity?

Essay Topic 3

The Dashwoods seem to complement each other perfectly and even though they have problems they work together to get out of them and end the story finding happiness. How do you think they work together so well? What are their individual roles? Is one person stronger than the other?

Take away a member of family from the story and discuss how the story could have been different. Would Marianne still be alive? Could Elinor maintain her practical outlook?

(see the answer keys)

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