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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. Why does Elinor try to spend more time with Lucy?

2. What does Marianne plan to do while in London?

3. How does Elinor keep herself busy when Edward leaves?

4. Why does Mrs. Dashwood like Edward?

5. What kind of woman does Marianne and Willoughby think Brandon attracts?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think the importance of Willoughby is to the story at this point?

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

3. Why do you think Austen presents Sir John and his wife as nice people, but overall overbred simpletons?

4. Why do you think Elinor tries to act normally with Edward even though she is upset with his strange behavior?

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

6. Why does Elinor dislike Willoughby so much?

7. Why do you think Edward never approaches the subject of why he is so upset?

8. Do you think Mrs. Dashwood's love of her daughter holds them back?

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

10. Does Elinor strike up a friendship with Lucy because she likes her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: In Sense and Sensibility, the female characters are stronger than the male characters and control the story. Use one of the relationships in the novel--for example, Elinor and Edward, to highlight your argument.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Austen was an unmarried daughter of a rector. With this in mind and anything else you know about Austen's life, which character resembles Austen the most?

1) Does she use that character to give her opinions of eighteenth century society?

2) Which characters do you think Austen shows less appreciation for? How do these characters differ from the main character?

(see the answer keys)

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