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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 Mrs. Dashwood like Edward?

2. How many marriages has Henry Dashwood had?

3. What does Elinor ask Marianne proof of?

4. What does Willoughby offer Marianne as a present?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Willoughby's letter symbolize his manipulative nature?

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

4. Is Marianne in love with Willoughby?

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

6. Why does Elinor dislike Willoughby so much?

7. How does Elinor display her logic and rationality in this chapter?

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

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

10. What comparisons does Austen draw from the Dashwood's situation at Norland with John and their new situation in Barton with Sir John?

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 the values of the eighteenth century.

1) Is it more important to have money in the eighteenth century than it is now? Pick a character and discuss what would happen if they were not born into money. Do you think some of the characters' obsessions with money are justified?

2) Why is marriage in the eighteenth century such an important institution? Is it more important for men or women? Is it wise to marry just for love? Is Jane Austen's happy ending merely a romantic notion that would rarely happen?

3) Does modern society share any values with eighteenth century society?

Essay Topic 3

Lucy and Anne Steele make a striking contrast to Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Discuss this contrast.

1) What are the similarities and differences between the two pairs of sisters? Why do you think they do not get along?

2) Do the relationships between each pair of sisters work in a similar way?

3) How does Austen use the contrast to present her opinions on class and privileged upbringings?

(see the answer keys)

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