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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 Robert characterize his relationship with Colin to the men they encounter?

2. What does Robert maintain hold of as he and Colin walk through the gallery?

3. What continually interrupts Mary and Colin's conversation at the beach?

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

5. Why does Mary think Robert took the secret photograph of Colin?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Mary's reaction to Robert's photograph differ from Colin's?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

One of the themes in this novel is the concept of gender roles. Discuss the ways that this theme plays out in the novel and the overarching message about gender that the author is trying to make. Be sure to cite specific evidence from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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