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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. In Part 2, Chapter 2, John Dowell compares Leonora Ashburnham to which of the following animals:

2. Who, according to Leonora Ashburnham, has the upper hand in the Dowell's marriage?

3. Which best describes the social views and character of Florence Dowell's family?

4. According to Leonora Ashburnham, how does Florence Dowell die?

5. When it's discovered that Florence Dowell has a heart condition, what does the doctor tell John Dowell he should never do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Florence Dowell commit suicide?

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

3. Describe the point of view from which The Good Soldier is written.

4. Describe Captain Edward Ashburnham's reputation and accomplishments.

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

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

7. Is it wise for John Dowell to marry Florence?

8. Is John Dowell justified in being angry at Leonora Ashburnham?

9. Florence Dowell proposes that she and Captain Edward Ashburnham should divorce their spouses and move to California. Why would divorcing her husband and moving to California with Edward be a sacrifice for Florence Dowell?

10. In Part 1, Chapter 2, John Dowell recites a folktale about a she-wolf who betrays her husband for a poet. Why is John's telling of the folktale significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Part 1, Chapter 2, John tells a folktale about a wife, known as a she-wolf, who betrays her husband for a poet who pretends to be an emperor. How does this folktale relate to John's story? How does the folktale parallel John's marriage? Does Florence have any she-wolf qualities? How might Edward be like the poet in the folktale?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the novel's title, The Good Soldier?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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