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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. Marianne tells her sister she will try to love Edward in what way?

2. What baffles Marianne?

3. Which of the following comments upsets Edward?

4. What is John's opinion of Willoughby?

5. What does Colonel Brandon pay close attention to?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Is Marianne in love with Willoughby?

3. Why do you think that at this point in the story, Austen has given the reader a lot more information about Colonel Brandon than about Willoughby?

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

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

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

7. Why is Mrs. Dashwood so taken with Willoughby?

8. How do the group's discussion of what they will do with a fortune express their individual characters?

9. How does Edward's arrival produce new hope for the Dashwood's?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Austen use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution, and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main characters Marianne and Elinor, examine the way Austen uses him or her in the story. Does she use him or her for dramatic effect or comic aside? When does she introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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