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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. What can Laura see out of the hotel window?
(a) A statue of Christ.
(b) A V-shaped plaza with a fountain.
(c) Cars on a freeway.
(d) A row of shops and a fountain.

2. What will haunt Clarissa's life?
(a) Her fear of suicide.
(b) The memory of the kiss.
(c) Her fear of being a lesbian.
(d) Her fear of flowers.

3. What is little Richie's response to his mother's return?
(a) He tells her to come back later when he has finished his game.
(b) He is frightened.
(c) He is overwhelmed with love and relief.
(d) He's annoyed because he's been having a fine time playing and wanted this to continue.

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

5. How has Laura set the table?
(a) With a starched white cloth.
(b) With a serviceable oilcloth.
(c) With a set of white place-mats.
(d) With a batik cloth she bought in Bali.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is implied about Richmond station's yellow wooden benches?

2. What does Richard call death?

3. When she has to choose, what does Laura do?

4. With which particular person does Laura contrast her own life?

5. To Clarissa, what does Mary resemble?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gives Laura the feeling that she has actually succeeded in achieving a kind of perfection?

2. Why is suicide not an option for Laura?

3. What is unusual about Louis' visit?

4. Why has Virginia's attitude changed?

5. What do the two women exchange as Laura prepares to return home?

6. Over what matters concerning Julia does Clarissa worry?

7. In what way is Laura's ambivalence towards her husband evident in Chapter 19 of The Hours?

8. What is Sally's reaction to Walter's present-buying?

9. Why does Walter want to buy his young partner a present?

10. What does Louis think of Clarissa?

(see the answer keys)

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