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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 language does Tom study?

2. Where did Tom's parents drown?

3. What nationality is the French girl's fiance?

4. What is the name of the place Tom sees the man coming out of?

5. What kind of lessons does Tom take from an old man in Rome?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tom write in a letter from Dickie to Marge?

2. How does Tom want to prepare for meeting the Greenleafs for dinner?

3. Why does Tom feel proud of the work he has done for Mr. Greenleaf?

4. What does Tom think is an average day for Dickie and Marge?

5. Why does Carlo want two people to ride to Paris in a coffin?

6. How does Dickie react when Tom tells him his father sent him to bring Dickie home?

7. How does Dickie anger Tom in Chapter 10?

8. What brings tears to Tom's eyes?

9. What does Tom understand about Dickie in Chapter 8?

10. How does Dickie insult Tom in Chapter 12?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Ripley books greatly influenced modern literature and, in particular, crime books. Choose a book written after the novel that you think was influenced by it and discuss their similarities in terms of:

a) Plot

b) Character

c) Themes

Essay Topic 2

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Highsmith use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Aside from the main character ,examine the way Highsmith uses the other characters in the story. When does she introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Highsmith use character and setting to express her themes?

(see the answer keys)

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