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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 Colin do for a living?

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

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

4. Which of the following is NOT a change that occurs for Mary and Colin during this chapter?

5. What has changed about Mary and Colin's relationship in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Caroline request of Colin? Why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How do the police react to Mary's statement about Colin's murder? Why?

10. 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?

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

Throughout The Comfort of Strangers the author explores what it means to be a stranger. Discuss how characters in this novel are strangers focusing on what makes them strangers. Then discuss the author's view of the stranger. Is it better to be a stranger or to not be a stranger, according to McEwan? Why?

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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