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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does this chapter begin?
(a) With Richie having a nightmare.
(b) With the ordinary routines and rituals of going to bed.
(c) With a cynical comment on married life.
(d) With Laura feeling ashamed.

2. As she drives, in what does Laura find consolation?
(a) That the car is clean.
(b) The impeccable way she has organized things.
(c) That her earrings match her bracelet.
(d) That she has remembered to bring her book.

3. What has made Richard feel wonderful?
(a) The colors on his robe.
(b) The lovely day outside his gloomy apartment.
(c) The combination of drugs he has taken.
(d) The decision that he has made.

4. What gives Mrs. Latch's garage the look of a miniature house?
(a) The way the door has a green-shuttered window in it.
(b) The size and shape of it compared to the main house.
(c) The way the door has two little red windows in it.
(d) The way the door has a cantilevered front extension, like a storm porch.

5. What is disturbing about Virginia kissing Vanessa?
(a) It is done behind Leonard's back.
(b) It is not quite innocent.
(c) It is done behind Nelly's back.
(d) It happens on the train to London.

6. With which particular person does Laura contrast her own life?
(a) Barbara.
(b) Clarissa.
(c) Virginia.
(d) Kitty.

7. What does the unusual light in Richard's apartment reveal?
(a) The way the illness has ravaged his face and body.
(b) His astonishing taste in art.
(c) That he really needs to fire his cleaning lady.
(d) The flaws and smallness of his life's detritus.

8. What is important about the imagery of the squirrel's tail?
(a) It reminds us to look out for squirrels when we are driving.
(b) It's imagery never been used previously in literature.
(c) Its shape makes us question ourselves on environmental issues.
(d) Its question mark shape links to Laura's musing about death.

9. Who does Laura desire?
(a) Dan.
(b) Kitty.
(c) Kitty and Clarissa.
(d) Both Kitty and Dan.

10. With what profession is Nelly's calm compared?
(a) With that of a test pilot.
(b) With that of an executioner.
(c) With that of a patient nanny.
(d) With that of an undertaker.

11. What prompts Laura's fury?
(a) Dan secretly laughing at Laura's efforts.
(b) Dan being off-hand with Richie.
(c) Dan being unable to blow out the candles.
(d) Dan's spittle on the cake.

12. What do Virginia and Vanessa do behind Nelly's back?
(a) Eat sugared ginger.
(b) Squabble.
(c) Eat digestive biscuits.
(d) Kiss.

13. What preoccupies Virginia?
(a) The fate of 'Clarissa' in her novel.
(b) The train time-table.
(c) Leonard's worry over her.
(d) The price of children's coats in Harrods.

14. What is the toothbrush-holder made of?
(a) Wicker.
(b) Glass.
(c) Porcelain.
(d) Stainless steel.

15. In Walter, what does Sally find unbearable?
(a) His good looks.
(b) His banality.
(c) His venal nature.
(d) His vanity.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Clarissa imagine her roses appear to be, according to Mary's view of the world?

2. Which character does Julia describe as strange?

3. What does Leonard want Virginia to do?

4. What does Nelly bring from London?

5. What is the very long chapter in Richard's novel concerned with?

(see the answer keys)

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