View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. During the visit to the castle, where does Florence Dowell touch Captain Edward Ashburnham on his body?

2. In Chapter 2, John Dowell is reminded of a folktale. In the folktale, which two characters appear?

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

4. John Dowell can only recall one particular dress his wife Florence wore during their stay at Nauheim. What kind of pattern is on this dress?

5. How does Captain Edward Ashburnham react toward Maisie Maidan's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is surprising about John Dowell's reaction to Maisie Maidan's death?

2. 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?

3. How does Maisie Maidan die?

4. After reflecting upon the events of his life, how does John Dowell feel about marriage?

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

6. Describe Leonora Ashburnham's physical altercation with Maisie Maidan and its significance.

7. 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.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Assess the marriages of the Ashburnhams and the Dowells. Who or what is to blame for the downfall of the Ashburnham marriage? Who or what is to blame for the downfall of the Dowell marriage?

Essay Topic 2

Explore Ford's use of symbolism in The Good Soldier. In the essay, explain the significance of the following symbols:

1. The color blue.

2. The heart.

3. Leonora Ashburnham's bracelet.

Essay Topic 3

What is Leonora Ashburnham's motivation for keeping John Dowell in the dark about his wife's affair with Edward Ashburnham?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 966 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample