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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 does Caroline find "sweet" about Colin?

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

3. Where does Mary go one morning when she awakens before Colin?

4. What delights Mary the most about swimming in the ocean?

5. What prevents Mary from saving Colin's life?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. According to Robert, how do the roles of men and women differ now from the time when his father was alive?

5. What does Robert ultimately do to Colin? Why does Colin consent to this?

6. How do Mary and Colin's conversations compare to their lovemaking?

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

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

9. Describe the process of Mary realizing that Colin was in the photograph at Robert's apartment

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

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 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 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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