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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 hosts a piano concert first that inspires Gerald to do the same, according to Nick?

2. How much is the check for that Wani gives Nick?

3. How does Nick's mom help out at her church?

4. Who stars in "English Rose"?

5. Who is described as a "mordant analyst"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Nick like Strauss?

2. Why does Nick want to go to Highgate Village?

3. How is Gerald represented in the book about the election?

4. Why do the Feddens ask Nick to look after Catherine?

5. Why is the painting in the Charles home the kind of painting that Nick likes least?

6. What is it about Nick that the Feddens trusted?

7. Why is Wani nervous about leaving his things at the Pond?

8. Who is Norman Kent?

9. What does Nick think of Norman Kent's weeping during the piano performance?

10. What acting experience has Sophie had?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of the media in the text? Begin by looking at the discussion of the "Mordant Analyst" on the opening pages and continue to the effects of the tabloids on the characters at the end of the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the use of euphemism in the text. What major things are never talked about and which seemingly problematic issues are discussed? How does this reveal the cultural sensibilities of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

How are women portrayed in the text? There are mothers, mistresses, annoying girlfriends, and a Prime Minister. Using the examples of the main female characters (Rachel, Catherine, Penny, Lady Partridge, Margaret Thatcher), what similarities can be seen in the female characters? How do the female characters influence the lives of the male characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 623 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample