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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. After Kate disappears, how does Stephen's life change?

2. In what genre does the editor of Gott suggest putting Stephen's first book?

3. When does Stephen head out to see Julie in Chapter 3?

4. Who feels very guilty about Kate's disappearance?

5. Where does Julie work?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Stephen Lewis described in Chapter 1?

2. How does Charles convince Stephen to publish the book as a children's one?

3. What fear do the police instill in Stephen by mentioning the docks?

4. How does Stephen look for Kate when she disappears?

5. How is Julie described in Chapter 1?

6. How does Julie initially cope with Kate's disappearance?

7. How is Kate attired the day she is missing?

8. How did Thelma help Stephen during his struggle with Kate's disappearance?

9. How does Julie deal with the loss of Kate by the end of Chapter 1?

10. What is Stephen hopeful for as he waits for Julie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the main themes in the book is ethical and social responsibility. List at least four examples where McEwan employs this specific theme. Is the battle between making ethical choices obvious or subtle? What characters are involved in this kind of battle? Do you think the right person or group won? Does good always triumph over evil in the case of The Child In Time ethics?

Essay Topic 2

McEwan uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In The Child In Time, Stephen appears to travel through time seamlessly. Time and space have more ambiguous boundaries? What do you think of the way time and space are portrayed in The Child In Time? Which aspects do you find more or less appealing? How does this relate to the past and memories? How does this affect future events?

(see the answer keys)

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