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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. Who has a voice like a parakeet, according to Virginia?

2. What are Virginia and Marjorie doing when Vanessa arrives?

3. What language did Virginia hear sparrows using?

4. How early are Vanessa and the children for their expected visit?

5. Where does Clarissa imagine her rejected future taking place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Clarissa Vaughan embarrassed?

2. Of what significance is the bird that Laura briefly glimpses?

3. Why is Clarissa hurt about Sally going out to lunch with Oliver St. Ives?

4. Account for Virginia's idea that death means freedom.

5. What does Willie Bass think of Clarissa?

6. How does Laura plan to compensate for her neglect of Dan and Richie at breakfast?

7. What went wrong with the relationship of Clarissa and Richard when they were younger?

8. As presented in this chapter, what is Clarissa Vaughan's attitude to life?

9. What sets a favorable writing mindset for Virginia Woolf in this chapter?

10. Why is Laura fearful of Richie making an error as he helps her make the cake?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

'Clarissa Vaughan is the only attractive character in Michael Cunningham's The Hours.' Is this a fair comment? Discuss the main characters in the novel (Clarissa, Virginia, Laura, Richard) and refer to others as you think appropriate.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways do you think imagery is important in Michael Cunningham's The Hours? Consider concepts and characters and refer closely to the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Much of the novel, The Hours, deals with characters' views of themselves and their fears concerning failure. Are these people actually successful, and in which ways or spheres of endeavor?

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