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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 does Coverdale suggest to Hollingsworth that he should be, in Section 3, Chapter 6?

2. In Section 6, Chapter 11, why does Coverdale stay in the vicinity of Zenobia's customary walk?

3. Coverdale believes he has done Hollingsworth a great wrong by prying into his character; why can't he help it?

4. After the first group dinner at Blithedale, what does Mr. Foster do while everyone adjourns to the sitting room?

5. Who accosts Mr. Coverdale on his way back to his apartment in Section 1, Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What wise suggestion of Coverdale's does Priscilla reject in Section 5, Chapter 9?

2. What is the purpose of those gathered at Blithedale?

3. How did Hollingsworth come to Priscilla's aid in Section 2, Chapter 4?

4. How can Coverdale tell that Zenobia is upset with Hollingsworth in Section 2, Chapter 3?

5. How does Hollingsworth and Coverdale's relationship begin to fall apart in Section 4, Chapter 8?

6. Why does Zenobia make Coverdale nervous?

7. How does the reader know that Moodie is somewhat connected to the Veiled Lady?

8. How does Coverdale first feel about Hollingsworth compared to how he feels about him after his illness?

9. How does Zenobia treat Priscilla, and what does she say to justify that behavior?

10. Why does Coverdale decide to never reveal what he overheard Zenobia and Westervelt talking about in Section 6, Chapter 12?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The Blithedale Romance, a group of people go to Blithedale to join a group of intellectual upper class people who want to learn the art of husbandry and develop their own Arcadian society. Explore the experimental society in The Blithedale Romance , and examine the reasons for the different characters on joining the community. Why is Blithedale considered an experimental society? What does Arcadian mean? Are there any communities in today's societies that compare to Blithedale? What are the people of Blithedale interested in doing?

Essay Topic 2

The style in which the author of The Blithedale Romance writes is very important to the overall story. Study Nathaniel Hawthorne's use of style in The Blithedale Romance and how it affects the overall story. What choices does Hawthorne use in his writing that shows his unique style? Does Hawthorne use tactical choices in grammar or word usage? How can sentence and paragraph length affect the overall story? What kind of imagery does Hawthorne use?

Essay Topic 3

Zenobia is an interesting, vibrant character who stands out in The Blithedale Romance. Analyze the character of Zenobia, exploring what her character adds to the overall story. Why does Zenobia wear flowers in her hair? How do the other tenants at Blithedale feel about Zenobia? Is Zenobia a confident woman?

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