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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. What do some English expatriates talk about in the last scene?

2. What is one natural scene described in Chapter 1?

3. About whom does Dennis come to Hollywood to do a screenplay?

4. Why does one man say Sir Francis is fired?

5. What did Dennis do in World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dennis find when he enters the Slumber Room?

2. What does Aimée think of Mr. Joyboy's work?

3. Who is the cosmetician and what does she tell Dennis?

4. What does Sir Ambrose ask of Dennis and what does Dennis find out about Sir Francis as a writer?

5. Who arrives and what does he say to Sir Francis?

6. What does Dennis accomplish during his time in Italy?

7. What does the recording say about the Church of St. Peter-without-the-walls in Oxford?

8. What was the pinnacle of Sir Francis' life?

9. How does Barlow compare the facades of Hollywood sets to the front of Whispering Glades?

10. What does Aimée reveal about herself when she encounters Dennis on the island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think The Loved One is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Loved One help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Loved One? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Loved One to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Evelyn Waugh.

2. What in Waugh's background may have helped him in writing The Loved One? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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