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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. In Chapter 40, who says "nobody could love 'ee more than Tess did! . . . She would have laid down her life for 'ee."

2. In Chapter 51 Tess arrives at the new lodgings to find that ___.

3. Angel's parents give him a letter from Tess. In the letter she ____.

4. When Alec appears again, in Chapter 47, he blames Tess for ____.

5. In Chapter 36, who says "I think of people more kindly when I am away from them."

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 41, Tess encounters some dying pheasants on her way to Flintcomb Ash. What is the significance of the pheasants?

2. In Chapter 50, how does Tess's attitude towards Alec start to change, and why?

3. When Alec returns to Flintcomb Ash and asks Tess a second time to marry him, what does this scene show about his so-called religious conversion?

4. Describe the scene in which Angel is sleepwalking. What significance does this scene have?

5. In Chapter 40, how is Mercy Chant described?

6. Why does Alec ask Tess to marry him in Chapter 46?

7. Who turns up in Flintcomb Ash with a message for Tess? What is the message?

8. Describe the scene of Alec's murder.

9. What does Angel find when he goes to Marlott? What action does he take and why?

10. In Chapter 39 what does Angel tell his parents about why Tess is not with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Tess is constantly pursued (by Angel, by Alec, by poverty, by bad luck, and perhaps by fate). Hardy makes this theme clear using a number of symbolic references, such as the scene with the dying pheasants, and reference to the place where Alec seduced her as "The Chase". Discuss at least three such symbols and say how they add to the overall atmosphere of oppression that surrounds Tess as 'the hunted' character.

Essay Topic 2

When Tess tells Alec about her visit from Angel, he is both angry and mocking. Do you think his reaction is justified?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the 'double standard' that Angel embraces with respect to the relationships he and Tess have had in the past. Concentrate on Chapters 34 and 35. What do you think of Angel after this? Has your opinion of him changed. Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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