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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 does Colin initially react when Caroline and Robert begin making sexual advances towards him?

2. What causes Robert and Caroline's intimate relationship to become violent?

3. Why does Robert say Mary is "very quick"?

4. What does Colin notice has changed in Robert's bar since his earlier visit?

5. How do Mary and Colin act towards one another as they approach their destination?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why do Mary and Colin leave late for the beach? What is the motivation behind their change of plans?

7. What do Robert and Caroline initially do to Colin? How does he prevent this?

8. What does Caroline request of Colin? Why?

9. What does Mary find in Robert and Caroline's bedroom? What is the source of this?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the men and women in this novel. How are the female characters similar/different? How are the male characters similar/different? Then discuss why you think the author presents this variety of male and female characters in the novel. Be sure to cite specific evidence from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

The gallery in Robert's apartment plays an important role in the novel. It serves as a symbol on many levels. Discuss the significance of the gallery in the novel. Cite several specific examples 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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