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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. Where do Mary and Colin awaken at the beginning of Chapter 5?

2. What information about Robert does Caroline share with Mary that surprises her?

3. Why do Robert's sisters put him in their father's study after he has eaten sweets?

4. What does Mary notice is different about Robert from the night before?

5. What event becomes a part of each of Mary and Colin's days while on vacation?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the setting of the first chapter

5. Describe Colin and Mary's nightly ritual (in the hotel room) before leaving for dinner

6. Describe the gallery in Robert and Caroline's apartment

7. How does Mary react to Colin when he wears the dressing gown? How is this different from his own reaction?

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

9. Describe the display in the department store window that both Mary and Colin comment on.

10. What is unusual about Robert's interactions with Mary and Colin in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the themes The Comfort of Strangers explores is loss and confusion. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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