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

2. What does Colin believe is wrong with Mary when she awakens frightened?

3. What is the main topic of conversation while Robert, Caroline, Mary and Colin dine together?

4. How is the beach setting described as at the beginning of this chapter?

5. How do the Italian police seem to categorize Colin's murder?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Colin confess to Mary as they are sitting on the beach? How does Mary react?

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

9. What does Caroline request of Colin? 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

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 2

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 3

Throughout The Comfort of Strangers Ian McEwan foreshadows the tragic final event in the novel. Select three events in the novel that foreshadow this event. Discuss how these events act as foreshadowing and how their significance becomes evident when the final scene occurs.

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

(see the answer keys)

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