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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the first chapter, the narrator compares the institution of marriage to what?
(a) A rotten apple and a prison.
(b) A red rose.
(c) A runaway train and an enduring flame.
(d) A ball and chain.

2. In the third chapter, what fear does John Dowell express?
(a) That he is secretly in love with Leonora Ashburnham.
(b) That he is a saint among sinners.
(c) That he is a eunuch among real men.
(d) That he is a cursed man.

3. According to Leonora Ashburnham, how does Florence Dowell die?
(a) She fell and broke her neck.
(b) She was murdered.
(c) She committed suicide.
(d) She died from heart failure.

4. What is the nature of Captain Edward Ashburnham's relationship to Maisie Maidan?
(a) She is his servant.
(b) She is a long-lost relative.
(c) She is his mistress.
(d) She is a family friend.

5. When does Florence Dowell's disease begin?
(a) She acquired the disease while participating in athletics during her youth.
(b) She acquired the disease during puberty .
(c) She has had the disease since birth.
(d) She acquired the disease during a sea journey to Europe on her honeymoon.

Short Answer Questions

1. In which country do the Dowells live?

2. From which city does Florence Dowell's family originate?

3. John Dowell can only recall one particular dress his wife Florence wore during their stay at Nauheim. What kind of material is this dress made out of?

4. According to John Dowell, Leonora Ashburnham looks best while wearing which color?

5. Which disease does John Dowell suffer from?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the personalities of Florence Dowell and Leonora Ashburnham differ?

2. Why does John Dowell identify with Leonora Ashburnham?

3. Explain the motivations of each character (Florence Dowell, John Dowell, Leonora Ashburnham, and Captain Edward Ashburnham) for taking the trip to the castle.

4. Is it surprising that John Dowell, the narrator in Part 3, Chapter 1, tries to justify Captain Edward Ashburnham's relationship with Nancy Rufford?

5. Why does John Dowell laugh at Leonora Ashburnham when she says she can learn to "accept the situation" between Florence Dowell and Captain Edward Ashburnham?

6. Describe the marriage between Leonora Ashburnham and Captain Edward Ashburnham.

7. Who is responsible for Maisie Maidan's death?

8. John Dowell supposes that Captain Edward Ashburnham eventually tired of Florence Dowell's affection. What might have caused Captain Edward Ashburnham to become tired of his affair with Florence?

9. Describe Nancy Rufford's relationship with Captain Edward Ashburnham.

10. By the end of Part 2, Chapter 2, both Florence Dowell and Maisie Maidan have died. Compare and contrast the death of Maisie Maidan and the death of Florence Dowell.

(see the answer keys)

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