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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. Where do the Dashwoods and Mrs. Jennings go?

2. What does Elinor decide about Mr. Palmer?

3. What does Elinor reflect?

4. Why does Willoughby say he has come?

5. Who does Mrs. Dashwood receive letters from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it important that the Colonel is one of the oldest characters in the book?

2. Is Elinor and Edward's marriage a victory of true love over societal expectations?

3. Describe Mrs. Jennings role within the story.

4. Does Marianne's illness change her?

5. Do you think the Dashwoods like John?

6. What is the importance of the Steele's appearance in the story?

7. Is John completely dominated by his wife?

8. What are the differences between the Steele sisters and the Dashwood sisters?

9. How much does Marianne's mental state contribute to her illness?

10. Is Willoughby a better match for Marianne than the Colonel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss opposites in the novel. Do all the characters have an opposite, for example Marianne and Elinor? What would do you think would happen to Marianne if Elinor was not there to help her, and vice versa? Are their some characters in the novel who don't have an opposite to counteract their personality? What happens to them?

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

Throughout the novel, Austen presents not only opposites attracting, but the only way life can run smoothly. For example, the emotional Marianne needs the practical Elinor, and the soft hearted John Dashwood needs his more hard hearted wife Fanny. If this is the case, why do you think Austen presents Elinor and Edward as such a good match? Is there a reason for this or it is an inconsistency in the novel? Do you think that following the theme of the book, Lucy would make a better match for Edward?

(see the answer keys)

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