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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. How much time has elapsed between the time Tess came home from Tantridge and the time she starts working at Talbothays?

2. Angel is persistent in asking Tess why she will not marry him. What does Tess finally promise him?

3. What motivates Tess to make a promise to Angel?

4. How does Alec react when Tess tells him how she feels about what has happened between them?

5. Tess decides to go to Talbothays when she hears about a possible job there. Where is Talbothays located?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 5 Tess is pressured to approach the D'Urbervilles for money. What does this scene, and her response, show about her?

2. How does Tess learn that Angel is in love with her, and what is her reaction?

3. What happens on the drive to Mrs. D'Uberville's home?

4. In Chapter 6, how is Alec portrayed?

5. In Chapter 11, what happens between Alec and Tess?

6. What is the local superstition about butter with a funny taste?

7. Describe what happens when Angel arrives back at Talbothays after visiting his parents.

8. Tess tries once more to get the courage to tell Angel the truth. In Chapter 30, what happens when she tries?

9. What arguments does Angel give his parents to convince them that marrying Tess is a good idea?

10. Why does Tess tell Angel she will explain everything to him the next Sunday?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At various points throughout the book, Tess seems undecided about whether she should tell Angel about her past. Do you think she should tell him, or not? If so, when should she tell him? In either case, back up your opinion with good reasons.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 46 Tess says, "How can I pray for you, when I am forbidden to believe that the great Power who moves the world would alter his plans on my account?" How is this to be interpreted, in light of all that has happened to her? Is she becoming cynical? Bitter? Or is she simply being realistic?

Essay Topic 3

Some people read Hardy's work as a commentary on forms of oppression (religious, political, racial, social). Discuss, using at least three different examples from the text to back up your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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