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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 is the name of Cassandra’s housemaid in the novel?

2. What is Lizzie Rose’s last name in the novel?

3. What is the title of Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 40?

4. Where does Cassandra watch Lizzie Rose and Parsefall’s arrival from in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 29?

5. Cassandra tells Lizzie Rose in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 49 that Marguerite’s birthday was on what day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Cassandra reveal to Parsefall and Lizzie Rose in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 44?

2. What leads Clara to the decision that she must steal the phoenix-stone in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 46?

3. What actions does Clara commit in order to warn Parsefall and Lizzie Rose in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 33?

4. How is the meeting of Lizzie Rose, Parsefall, and Cassandra described in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 32?

5. What exchange takes place between Parsefall and Grisini in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 33?

6. What gift does Parsefall choose from Cassandra’s table in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 35?

7. How does Cassandra say she came into possession of the phoenix-stone in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 49?

8. How is the arrival of Lizzie Rose and Parsefall at Strachan’s Ghyll described in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 29?

9. What exchange takes place between Parsefall and Lizzie Rose in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 41?

10. What exchange takes place between Clara and Cassandra in Part Two: “Ice,” Chapter 31?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Splendors and Glooms. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does Splendors and Glooms compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Schlitz’s writing?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Cassandra in the novel. Of what is she dying? Why does she blame her impending death on a stone? What kind of stone is it? Who does Cassandra think can help her prevent her impending death?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the shared birth date between Cassandra, Marguerite, and Clara? Why does Cassandra try to summon Clara to her when she learns of this? What is the result?

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