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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 Edith do just after arriving at her and Stoner's new apartment?

2. How long do Edith and Stoner have to try for a child?

3. Who temporarily fills the director of the English department after Sloane's death?

4. Why do Edith and Stoner cut their honeymoon short?

5. Where do Edith and Stoner go on their honeymoon?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are William's meetings with Finch and Masters first described in the book?

2. How do Edith's actions towards William change when she decides she wants a baby?

3. How is William's first meeting with Edith described in the book?

4. How is Edith described after she gives birth to Grace?

5. How is William and Edith's first time making love described?

6. Why does Edith's father commit suicide?

7. How is William's study of English described over the three years he studies at the University of Missouri?

8. How is William's first meeting with Edith's parents described?

9. How do William and Edith buy their first house?

10. How is William's experience in his first English class described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of death is one that is portrayed through many characters in the book including David Masters, Archer Sloane, and eventually William Stoner. Considering the evolution of death through these three characters, what might the author be saying about the nature of death and its impact on others?

Essay Topic 2

The concept of learning is one that brought much joy to the book's protagonist. Part 1.) What does learning represent to William and why is he so passionate about it? Part 2.) How does success and ambition hinder William's ability to learn and fulfill his love of knowledge? Part 3.) What role does learning have in better understanding and defining William's nature?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of family is one presented several times throughout the book. Part 1.) What kind of relationship did William have with his parents and what impact did this relationship have on his actions later in life? Part 2.) How is Edith's view of family flawed due to her experiences with her family growing up? Part 3.) Considering William and Edith's family lives, how does their creation of their own family appear somewhat ironic and why is this significant?

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