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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 is the beach setting described as at the beginning of this chapter?

2. What does Mary intend to tell Colin, but does not (as she sits with his body in the morgue)?

3. Who does Robert insist on toasting to during dinner?

4. Where did Mary work for many years?

5. How does Colin initially react when Mary tells him what has frightened her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is wrong with Mary at the beginning of this chapter? What does Caroline tell Colin is wrong with her? What does Colin think they need to do?

2. Describe the scene between Robert and Mary at the bookcase.

3. What does Colin confess to Mary as they are sitting on the beach? How does Mary react?

4. Describe the two times that Mary and Colin discuss Robert's photograph of Colin in this chapter. How are they different?

5. Describe Mary and Colin's routine for the days following their visit to Robert and Caroline's apartment.

6. Why do Mary and Colin depart the riverboat early? How does their ultimate destination differ from their intended destination?

7. What does Colin say in response to Robert's monologue on gender relations? How does Robert respond to Colin's comment?

8. Why does Robert hold Colin's hand as they walk to the bar? What does he tell people about their relationship?

9. Describe the interactions between Mary and Colin while they ride the river taxi. How are these different than their earlier encounters?

10. Why doesn't Mary respond much to Caroline's stories? What is likely the source of her silence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marriage plays an interesting role in this novel. Write an essay:

1) describing the ways marriage is portrayed in the novel

2) examining the significance of marriage in the plot and character development

3) arguing what you believe the author is trying to say about marriage through the novel.

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

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

There are several turning points in the plot of this novel. Select two major turning points in the plot and discuss:

1) how the event is a turning point

2) how the story would be different if the event had gone in a different direction.

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

(see the answer keys)

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