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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. When does Jordan suddenly arrive?

2. What makes a big change in Alexandra's personality?

3. Why does Alexandra end up eating too much?

4. Where does Alexandra go in the morning?

5. What does Fawkes' staff intercept?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lord Carstairs create more tension between Jordan and Alexandra?

2. What happens to Nordstrom?

3. Why does the Dowager ask Lord Ponsonby to dance with Alexandra and how does she respond?

4. What does Alexandra do that upsets Jordan the next morning and what does he order her to do?

5. What does Jordan hint about to Alexandra?

6. About what does Jordan confide in Alexandra?

7. Why does Jordan postpone his official duties for the day?

8. How is Anthony and Alexandra's marriage halted just before the pronouncement of husband and wife?

9. What is Alexandra's first response to Jordan's anger and how does Melanie change Alexandra's attitude?

10. What increases Fawkes' belief that Alexandra and Anthony are plotting to kill Jordan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast Alexandra at the beginning of the novel to Alexandra at the end of the novel. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they both sympathetic characters? Which "Alexandra" would you most likely have as a friend? Why? Is each one believable? Why or why not.

2. Compare/contrast Jordan at the beginning of the novel to Jordan at the end of the novel. . How are they alike? How are they different? Are they sympathetic characters? Who would you most likely have as a friend? Why? Is each one believable? Why or why not.

3. Compare/contrast Jordan to Alexandra. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they sympathetic characters? Who would you most likely have as a friend? Why? Is each one believable? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Something Wonderful deals with the subject of gender, whether it is a deliberate inclusion by McNaught or not. Discuss the following:

1. Define the term "gender."

2. Does gender only refer to whether a person is male or female? Is gender easy to identify?

3. Discuss the English cultural definitions of gender during the time of Something Wonderful and the expectations for each gender. Do any of those expectations exist today?

4. Are women the only ones harmed by gender-based expectations? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

When Jordan and Alexandra arrive at an the first night of their wedding, Jordan tells Alexandra that she shouldn't worry about tonight, that he has no intention of sleeping with her. Alexandra agrees and says she never imagined he would because he would probably prefer sleeping in a room by himself, especially since she flails like a fish. Alexandra is obviously so naive, she misunderstands what Jordan is implying. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Alexandra as she changes from a rather naive woman to a sadder, but wiser, woman. What are the significant events that change Alexandra?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Aleandra's growth, do you think Something Wonderful could be considered Alexandra's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Something Wonderful who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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