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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 was considered the head of Robert's family when he was a child?

2. How do Robert's sisters attempt to embarrass him in front of Caroline?

3. Which of the following is NOT a location that Mary and Colin visit during this chapter?

4. Which of the following best describes the ritual Mary and Colin both go through each evening before leaving for dinner?

5. What does Colin say must happen before he and Mary decide if they will stay at Caroline and Robert's home for dinner?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the scene involving the older tourists that Colin observes from his balcony. How does the version of the story Colin tells Mary differ from the actual situation?

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

5. Describe the setting of the first chapter

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

7. How does Mary and Colin's relationship with the hotel maid change over the course of their vacation?

8. Why does Mary begin thinking of her children in this chapter? What does she wish she had done?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Despite the warning signs Mary and Colin are given about Robert and Caroline's motives, the couple still remains in their company. In your essay:

1) describe at least two "warnings" that should have drawn Mary and Colin's attention to the danger they were about to encounter

2) discuss how Mary and Colin choose to react instead

3) discuss what you think (as a reader) motivates the couple to ignore these signs.

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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