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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 Sir Francis Hinsley?

2. Where is Dennis escorted when he calls on the funeral home the day before the service of Sir Francis?

3. Besides being fiction, how else is the story described in the paragraph that is set before Chapter 1?

4. Who is Wilbur Kenworthy?

5. Who is in Sir Francis' office when he arrives at the studio?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Mr. Joyboy and what is he delivering to the cosmetician?

2. What are the English expatriates talking about at the cricket club?

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

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

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

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

7. How does Dennis compare his present job with his time in Italy?

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

9. What does the opening to Chapter 1 describe?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Loved One belongs to the satirical novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the satirical novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a satirical novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Loved One. Questions that Waugh most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Waugh' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Waugh' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Waugh and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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