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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. How long has Nick lived with the Feddens?

2. What does Wani rename the Clerkenwell Building?

3. Who does Catherine think is madly in love with Gerald?

4. What is the article that Nick writes about?

5. What school friend of Nick's is also running for office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Rachel so upset with Nick?

2. Why does Nick suggest that he has helped make the restaurant Gusto a success?

3. What is the "different side" of the Prime Minister that Wani knows?

4. What does Penny document in her diary?

5. What is Wobbly Thursday?

6. What does Wani say he is having a feature on in the premiere issue of Ogee?

7. Describe the game of welly-whanging.

8. What is on the cover of the premiere issue of Ogee?

9. What does the Gauguin painting "Le Matin aux Champs" represent, according to Catherine?

10. How does the news of the affair between Gerald and Penny break in the media?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 602 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample