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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. Who does Mary tell Colin they should have brought with them on vacation?

2. Where does Caroline say that Mary and Colin's clothes are?

3. How does Mary respond at first to Colin's sexual advances?

4. What condition does Caroline require Mary and Colin to meet in order to get their clothes back?

5. Why are Mary and Colin not speaking to each other at the beginning of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Mary and Colin's views on feminism demonstrated through their reactions to a poster hanging on the wall of a Venice building?

2. Describe the setting of the first chapter

3. What information about the bar does Caroline share with Mary? How does Mary react?

4. What are Mary and Colin looking for as they journey through the city? Why?

5. Describe the setting around the tourist attraction clock tower.

6. What is the significance of the smell of cologne for Robert? Why?

7. Describe the event that led Robert's sisters to despise him.

8. What does Robert offer Mary and Colin at the end of the chapter? How do they react? How does Robert counteract?

9. What do Robert's sisters feed him one afternoon? Why?

10. Why does Caroline lock Mary and Colin's clothes in a cabinet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The human body plays an important role in this novel. Discuss several situations where the body is central to the plot of the story. Focus on what the human body is serving as a symbol of at that point in the novel. Be sure to cite specific details from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Read the two inscriptions at the beginning of the novel.

Discuss the significance of these quote in reference to the novel. How do they fit (or not fit) the novel? Why do you think Ian McEwan chose these quotes? How do they work together to demonstrate the themes of the novel?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The gallery in Robert's apartment plays an important role in the novel. It serves as a symbol on many levels. Discuss the significance of the gallery in the novel. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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