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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 kind of reaction does Katherine give Stoner after giving her presentation in his class?

2. How does Stoner begin looking at the value of his life in Chapter XI?

3. How many seminars are students required to take to finish a doctorate at Stoner's university?

4. What does Stoner say when Finch asks him if he wants to be the new director of the English department?

5. Who does the author note a change in at the beginning of Chapter VIII?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does William react to Katherine Driscoll's presentation in his seminar?

2. What is the nature of William's conversation with Lomax when he tries to mend their relationship over the Charles Walker situation?

3. How do William and Katherine begin their love affair with one another?

4. Why does William's relationship with Katherine end?

5. How is William's first meeting with Charles Walker described?

6. How does William react when Finch asks him if he wanted to be the new head of the English department?

7. How does William begin questioning the value of his life in Chapter XI?

8. How does Charles Walker arrive to his first class with William?

9. How does Charles Walker react when William threatens to fail him from his seminar?

10. How does Edith's social life change after her father's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the theme of emotion that is portrayed in the book. What role does emotion play in William's life, including at home and at work? Does he appear to be an emotional person or does he lack a connection to this part of himself?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the author's portrayal of marriage in the book. What does William wish to get out of being married despite showing little passion for anything besides his education? Does he feel it's just a duty he must fulfill to fit in or does he truly find love in Edith?

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