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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. Who is George Morgan?

3. Who does the Dowager choose to marry Alexandra?

4. What does Alexandra do when she learns about her dance partner's intentions?

5. Who does Jordan invite to drink with him when he gets home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene when Bertie confesses and the aftermath.

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

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

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

5. What does the Dowager finally ask of Anthony and what is his response?

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

7. How does Jordan learn the truth about Alexandra's behavior while he was imprisoned?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gossip and rumors are found throughout Something Wonderful. Discuss the following:

1. What is one piece of gossip that you think is started maliciously? Who starts it? Why? Does it end up harming the person it is intended to harm? Why or why not? What effect does the gossip have on the person the gossip is about? What effect does the gossip have on one other character?

2. What is one piece of gossip that you think is started intentionally to help someone? Who starts it? Why? Does it end up helping or harming the person it is intended to help? Explain. What effect does the gossip have on the person the gossip is about? What effect does the gossip have on one other character?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of gossip as it is woven throughout Something Wonderful. Is the gossip always harmful? What are the motivations of those who start and perpetuate the gossip? What are the effects of the gossip?

4. Why do you think people gossip?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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