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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 once owned Lord Kessler's escritoire?

2. Which composer does Nick say "understood everything"?

3. What movie do Nick and Leo go see?

4. What does Ricky say he doesn't do?

5. What birthday is Toby celebrating which he celebrates at Lord Kessler's home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Wani drink his coffee?

2. Describe Gerald's postcard to Nick.

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

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

5. What does Mrs. Charles pray for?

6. What acting experience has Sophie had?

7. What is Nina Glaserova's background?

8. What bothers Nick about being called a "twit" by Leo?

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

10. How does Nick explain his frequent absences to the Feddens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Henry James is a key figure in the novel. James explores the theme of alienation and also of contrasting old wealth vs. vulgar nouveau riche. How has Hollinghurst also used these themes in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Early in the text, Nick receives a gift of cologne called "Je Promets". At the end of the novel, an ad for the cologne appears in the back pages of Ogee magazine. Explain the symbolism and significance of this cologne and how it represents the changes that have occurred in Nick's life.

Essay Topic 3

Nick is surrounded by many people who love "things more than people". Using examples in the text, explain how the snobbishness of the wealthy puts a heavy value on possessions over relationships. How do the characters relate to their possessions? How does this compare to how they relate to each other?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 604 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample