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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. Which of the following phrases does Austen use to describe Edward's mood?

2. What does Elinor worry Edward's mother and sister will force him to do?

3. Whom does Elinor send a letter to when she arrives in London?

4. Which of the following characters is also present at the Middleton's dinner party?

5. Why does Mrs. Dashwood not want her daughters to mingle?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. Why does Elinor dislike Willoughby so much?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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