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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. Who does the author say was only interested in seeking adventure?

2. What does Stoner become immersed in a passion for as a college student?

3. What is the name of the book's author?

4. What does Edith do after her and Stoner make love the first time?

5. Who argues that war had a tendency to destroy the civilization of learning?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does William tell his parents about continuing to study English in college rather than agriculture?

3. How has Edith changed when she returns home from her father's funeral?

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

5. How is William and Lomax's conversation described at William's housewarming party?

6. Why does talk of WWI not penetrate William as it did other students when it begins?

7. How is William's early life on his family farm described for the first time in the book?

8. How does Sloane react when William suggests enlisting in WWI?

9. How do William's parents react when he tells them his plans to obtain a PhD in English?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's portrayal of the father-daughter relationship in the book, namely through the characters of Edith and her father. What impact did Edith's relationship with her father have on her erratic behavior later in life, especially towards her husband William?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the portrayal of infidelity presented in the book. How does the author present a different view of infidelity in William and Katherine's affair? Does it appear to be more acceptable given their unique situation?

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