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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 is Gerald's favorite composer?

2. What pub does Leo refer to as a "flea-box"?

3. Where does Sam Zeman work?

4. Who does Mrs. Charles encourage Nick to meet?

5. What does Toby's girlfriend Sophie do for a living?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Nick like Strauss?

2. What is the difference of opinion between Polly and Nick about an eventual peerage for Bertrand Ouradi?

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

4. How is Hawkeswood described in Pevsner?

5. Who is Norman Kent?

6. Why does Nick think Leo is preoccupied with money?

7. Why is Leo growing a beard?

8. What does Nick say he plans on studying in graduate school?

9. What does Rachel think of the photographs that Russell took at Toby's party?

10. How does Badger get his nickname?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Deconstruct the concept of the "line of beauty". Find examples of when this term is used and explain all of the different meanings the "line of beauty" has throughout the text.

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

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 630 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample