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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 burgeoning problem does Dick realize he has?

2. What does Nicole do with a letter from Tommy?

3. Who accompanies Dick to a cabaret?

4. Where does Dick work on his book?

5. What does Dr. Dohmler think about Dick's relationship with Nicole?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does money become a factor in Dick and Nicole's marriage and affect Dick's self esteem?

2. What does Tommy tell Nicole when they begin flirting with each other?

3. Explain the opinions that Franz and his wife have of the Divers.

4. What is the tragic event that occurs while Dick is in Innsbruck?

5. What metaphor does Dick use to describe England?

6. Describe the situation in which Dick falls into deeper emotional debt to Nicole's family.

7. What is the state of Dick's alcoholism at this point?

8. What is the symbolism of Dick's feelings for the Italians and French?

9. What does Abe North's death represent for Dick?

10. How is Dick's self-esteem diminished in his work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Rosemary's life as a young actress. Why is she so world-weary at such a young age? How is it that she can size up Earl Brady's intentions so quickly? What does Rosemary mean when she says that her view of the Mediterranean had changed since she now knows there is a film studio there?

Essay Topic 2

Dick calls the love between him and Nicole an "active" love. What does he mean by that? What does he hope Rosemary will understand by the description? What is so complicated about the love between Dick and Nicole? Is it different from the love between most married couples? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

How is it that the characters in the novel have so much time to play? Do they characterize any particular segment of society? Or are they enjoying post-war prosperity to its fullest? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 910 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample