View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the one neighbor who seems to have a genuine, though small, positive impact on Silas Marner?

2. Why do Godfrey and Nancy step out during the dance?

3. What does Eppie ask Silas Marner if they could build outside of their house?

4. What event at parties made Uncle Kimble, the doctor, intense and bitter?

5. What positive effect does the loss of his treasure have on Silas Marner’s relationship with his neighbors?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Silas Marner viewed as Part 2 of the story begins?

2. Does Nancy actually want to step out of the dance with Godfrey? Why or why not?

3. When Silas Marner claims Eppie, what is the reaction of those at the party?

4. Why does Godfrey meet his father after breakfast?

5. Why is it guessed that Godfrey and Nancy are “sweethearting” when they step out of the dance?

6. Dolly Winthrop seems to be the only visitor who comes with genuine care. Does her visit succeed in convincing Silas Marner to attend church on Christmas? Why or why not?

7. How do the visits of his neighbors fail to help Silas Marner?

8. What was Silas Marner doing when Eppie entered his cottage?

9. What does Squire Cass mean when he tells Godfrey to “turn over a new leaf”?

10. Why is the New Year’s Eve dance more important than the Christmas Day party at the Red House?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how the role of random chance (Providence, coincidence. Etc.) have in Silas Marner. What are some examples of unlikely events or actions helping to form the story?

Essay Topic 2

Eliot uses very eloquent wording throughout the novel to describe scenery, conversations, and emotions. While these passages often do not drive the storyline forward, they are critical to the overall impact of the story. Select two examples where Eliot uses vivid language and explain how it helps the story.

Essay Topic 3

The nineteenth century was a time of deep religious beliefs clashing with modern enlightened views. Silas Marner is devoutly religious before being betrayed by his friend and then cast out of his church. How does this betrayal from those he trusted set the tone for the entire novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 863 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample