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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. When Nick and Toby spend the afternoon together, what does Toby bring out by the pool?

2. Which friend of Gerald's comes to give him advice after the scandal concerning Nick breaks?

3. What is Lionel's excuse for not having the anniversary party at Hawkeswood?

4. When everyone else goes to Chez Claude and Toby and Nick stay home, what does Toby make Nick for lunch?

5. When do the Feddens usually go to Chez Claude?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Wobbly Thursday?

2. Who is Nat getting married to?

3. Who is Javier?

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

5. What does Sally Tipper look like?

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

7. What does Jonty Stafford tell Catherine about the Hotel Diocletian?

8. How does Nick know Nat Henmer?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nick's thesis is on the "style that hides things and reveals things at the same time". Explain how this relates to the larger context of the novel. How does the concept of "style" play a role in the major characters' lives?

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