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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. What does the Dowager tell Alexandra is her job?

2. What does Fawkes say about the upcoming party?

3. Why does Jordan decide not to divorce Alexandra?

4. How does Alexandra feel after the picnic with Jordan?

5. When does Jordan suddenly arrive?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens as Jordan is talking with Lord Camden and what does Jordan do as a result?

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

3. What gossip does the Dowager Duchess start?

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

5. What does Jordan initiate on the picnic and how does it reveal his feelings for Alexandra?

6. Why is Alexandra's status as a young, desirable widow worrisome to the Dowager Duchess?

7. What two small mistakes does Alexandra make on the night of her coming out?

8. About what does Jordan confide in Alexandra?

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

10. How do Jordan and Alexandra differ in their reactions to being at Hawthorne?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Something Wonderful is an historical romance. Discuss the following:

1. Define the word "genre" in the context of literary criticism.

2. Why do you think fiction is categorized by genre?

3. Does it help to know how a book is categorized as to its genre before reading it? Explain.

4. Modern historical romance is often considered inferior to what are considered "the classics." Why do you think this is so? Do you believe a book such as Something Wonderful is inferior to something such as A Tale of Two Cities? Explain.

5. What is your favorite genre and why.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Something Wonderful based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Something Wonderful is a successful novel.

3. Is Something Wonderful a novel you would recommend to a friend? Why or why not? Explain.

4. Can a novel be successful and yet many readers not enjoy it? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character of Alexandra. What are her strengths? Weaknesses? How does she evolve over the course of the story? Is she likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think she is a protagonist or antagonist? Why

2. Thoroughly discuss the character Jordan. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy?

3. Thoroughly discuss two other characters of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be enemies?

(see the answer keys)

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