View a FREE sample

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 state of mind of the person in #47?

2. Who does George propose marriage to?

3. In "The Woman" Herr Scholtz says that a woman had an affair with him ___________________.

4. What does the boy's mother buy for him to help him make the special dive?

5. What offer does George make so that Rose will marry him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Lessing's writing style in the majority of the stories?

2. What is the premise of "Wine"?

3. What do Mary and Hamish suspect about Dr. Kroll?

4. What is the setting for "The Eye of God in Paradise"?

5. Why is "Through the Tunnel" a coming of age story?

6. How does Jimmy blame Rose for his unhappiness?

7. How does Rose behave after she breaks her engagement to George?

8. What is the premise of "One off the Short List"?

9. What does George learn from his ex-wife about the cause of his divorce?

10. What does George Talbot learn about the woman with whom he has had an affair for several years?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several of Lessing's works are classic stories of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why do some of the stories fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Lessing is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in England in the mid-20th century when the women in the stories are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 947 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample