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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. For how long does Dennis get a leave of absence?

2. Through what does Dennis have to pass in order to reach the reception area in the mortuary?

3. What does Dennis send to Sir Ambrose?

4. Where does Dennis see a marble Mickey Mouse?

5. Where is Sir Francis' body when Dennis comes home one night?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Mr. Schultz displeased with Dennis and how does Dennis try to convince Mr. Schultz to feel otherwise?

2. Why does Sir Ambrose think Sir Francis loses his job?

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

4. With what makeover is Sir Francis having difficulty?

5. What does Dennis see as he walks among the graves?

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

7. What does the opening to Chapter 1 describe?

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

9. What racist question does the secretary ask Dennis and how does he respond?

10. What does Sir Francis Hinsley say about Americans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Loved One.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Loved One. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Loved One. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Loved One. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Waugh chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Waugh chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Waugh's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Waugh use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

The two British men who work in Hollywood discussing how to recast the image of an actress named Juanita del Pablo is a scathing commentary on the disingenuous and manipulative nature of the Hollywood star-making system. After Sir Ambrose leaves and Dennis goes to work, it becomes clear that his job is at a pet cemetery. The services for a dead dog that he offers to its owners are a parody of human burial rites. The husband is willing to do whatever Dennis considers to be the most socially acceptable thing, showing that his interest is not in his pet but in what his peers might think of him.

1. Do you think the Hollywood system of star making is disingenuous and manipulative? Discuss, in depth, why or why not. Use examples from The Loved One and your own life to support your answer.

2. If everyone would know that the film system of making stars is false and manipulative, why do you think the general public still falls for the manipulation and supports the system? Use examples from The Loved One and your own life to support your answer.

3. How much of behavior in America do you think is based on doing what is socially acceptable? What types of behaviors might these be? Use examples from The Loved One and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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