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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. What circumstance seems to set an ominous tone for the evening for Mary?

2. What does Colin tell Caroline is the only downside to his and Mary's visit to Venice?

3. What does Caroline confess to Mary?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Robert's father (as Robert presents him in this chapter)

3. Describe the setting of the first chapter

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

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

While Mary's children never appear in the novel, their influence is felt on the story. In your essay:

1) describe Mary's children and their life circumstances.

2) discuss at least two events where the children play a role in the scene

3) discuss the significance of the children in the scene. What do they represent?

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

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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