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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. According to Robert, which of the following is NOT a reason for society's problems?

2. Who does Mary notice as she is drinking hot chocolate in the hotel cafe?

3. Why does Caroline suddenly become still as soon as she begins laughing?

4. Which of the following is NOT a "willfully clumsy" detail of Colin's murder (according to the policeman)?

5. Why does Mary propose amputating Colin's arms and legs?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene when Mary awakens with a shout in the middle of the night.

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

3. What is Mary's fantasy of "subjection and humiliation" for Colin? What is Colin's fantasy for Mary?

4. Describe the evolution of the sexual dynamics between Robert and Caroline.

5. Describe the scene in the ocean involving Mary and Colin.

6. What changes about Colin's appearance in this chapter? How does Robert react to this change? How does Mary react?

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

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

9. How does Colin's experience with Robert at the bar compare to Mary's experience with Caroline in the apartment?

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

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 human body plays an important role in this novel. Discuss several situations where the body is central to the plot of the story. Focus on what the human body is serving as a symbol of at that point in the novel. Be sure to cite specific details from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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