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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. Why is the climb up the ersatz rope less scary than going down it for the Baudelaire children?

2. After Esme pushes the Up button for the ersatz elevator, what do the Baudelaires discover in the middle of the elevator shaft?

3. What is Violet's idiosyncrasy?

4. According to the narrator, what do the Baudelaires feel as they climb the ersatz rope back to the penthouse?

5. Where does Klaus want to go once they climb back up the ersatz rope to the penthouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the children realize about Jerome Squalor as they reach the Veblen Hall and are confronted with Gunther?

2. What does Klaus mean when he tells Violet the time wasn't ripe for her invention?

3. What is the importance of the doorman winning the big, red scarlet fish statue?

4. What is symbolic about the Baudelaire children rising up from the ashes?

5. In what condition are the Quagmires discovered? What is the most important aspect of their condition?

6. The gentleman at the Baudelaire mansion fire claims that the site is haunted. What is the significance of him calling the Baudelaire ghosts?

7. What is odd about the doorman making bids at the In Auction?

8. Why is moving down the ersatz rope more difficult the second time for the Baudelaires?

9. In what ways are the Baudelaire children's skills handy and useful in Chapter 7?

10. How is the word "ersatz" used in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolism of the Squalors? Explain how the author uses Esme's crazy demands and actions to reveal aspects of her character and aspects of her husband's character, Jerome. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The doorman mentions to Klaus that every problem has a solution. Select three problems from "The Ersatz Elevator" and write the solutions used in the story. Discuss whether you think the solutions are effective. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

How is irony used throughout the novel? Cite different examples of irony and describe whether the use of irony is effective (or not effective) to the overall storyline. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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