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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. 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 a sea journey to Europe on her honeymoon.
(c) She acquired the disease during puberty .
(d) She has had the disease since birth.

2. Where does John Dowell go after Florence dies?
(a) He takes a vacation to France.
(b) He joins the military and goes to India.
(c) He returns to the United States.
(d) He moves to London.

3. What dream must Florence Dowell give up in order to divorce her husband and be with Captain Edward Ashburnham?
(a) Her dream of becoming a world-class tennis player.
(b) Her dream of owning her own racetrack.
(c) Her dream of living in Paris.
(d) Her dream of entering British country society.

4. What is the name of the woman who Captain Edward Ashburnham meets in India?
(a) Marybeth Maiden.
(b) Mabel Maiden.
(c) Maisie Maidan.
(d) Marion Maiden.

5. How do Florence Dowell's aunts react when John Dowell tells them he wants to marry Florence?
(a) They ask him to reconsider.
(b) They cry tears of joy.
(c) They become angry and storm out of the room.
(d) They pour him a glass of scotch and make a toast to his future happiness.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the first chapter, the narrator compares the institution of marriage to what?

2. Which character discovers Florence Dowell's dead body?

3. Where do the Ashburnhams first meet Maisie Maidan?

4. Soon after the Dowells are married, Florence Dowell asks her husband to hold something for her. What is the object Florence asks her husband to hold?

5. What reason does John Dowell give to explain his wife's infidelity?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Have the Ashburnhams ever had physical or emotional affection for one another?

4. What is the significance behind the novel's title, The Good Soldier?

5. According to John Dowell's point of view, what qualities define English culture?

6. 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?

7. Why does Leonora Ashburnham become upset when Florence Dowell points to the document by Martin Luther, touches Edward's wrist and says, "It's because of that piece of paper that you're honest, sober, industrious, provident, and clean-lived. If it weren't for that piece of paper you'd be like the Irish or the Italians or the Poles, but particularly the Irish" ?

8. In Part 1, Chapter 3, John Dowell recalls one particular dress his wife Florence wore during their stay at Nauheim. Describe the dress and its significance.

9. Do you think Captain Edward Ashburnham's romantic feelings for Nancy Rufford are morally reprehensible?

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

(see the answer keys)

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