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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 does the waiter react when Mary and Colin order water and coffee?

2. How do people react to the elderly women selling trinkets outside of the hospital?

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

4. Where are Mary and Colin vacationing?

5. Who is the only person who is kind to Robert after the incident in the study?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Robert's first meeting with Caroline.

2. What does Mary tell Colin she dreams about during their daily naps?

3. How does Robert's father react to him soiling his study? How does this make Robert feel?

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

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

6. How is Mary's reaction to Robert different from Colin's?

7. Where does Robert take Mary and Colin to eat? Describe this setting.

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

9. How does Caroline define being "in love" with someone? How does the definition of love differ for men and women according to Caroline?

10. Describe the notebook Mary keeps as a thirteen-year-old. Why is her mind drawn to this memory while vacationing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Comfort of Strangers presents two very different visions of romantic relationships. In your essay, compare and contrast the two couples in the novel focusing on:

1) the dynamics of their relationship

2) their ideals about love

3) their ideals about relationships between men and women.

Be sure to cite specific evidence from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

The sexual brutality in this novel is shocking and disturbing to readers. In your essay discuss the significance of McEwan's choice to include it in the story. What does sexual brutality bring to the story? Why is it important? Why do you think McEwan chose to include it in the story line?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel Mary and Colin's relationship changes significantly. In your essay:

1) describe their relationship at the beginning of the novel.

2) describe their relationship at the end of the novel

3) discuss the changes that occur in their relationship

4) discuss what influences these changes.

Be sure to cite specific evidence from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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