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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. In what room does the cosmetician work?

2. Who is not pleased about Dennis' responsibilities concerning Sir Francis?

3. About what does Ambrose admonish Sir Francis?

4. Who is Juanita del Pablo?

5. What did Dennis find difficult to believe when he first worked in Hollywood studios?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Orchid Room when Dennis visits Whispering Glades the day before Sir Francis' funeral.

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

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

4. What does Aimée do to Sir Francis?

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

6. What does Mr. Joyboy say about working on infants?

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

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

9. What does the receptionist say to Dennis about burials?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of narcissism in The Loved One. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters seem most narcissistic? Why? What are some symbols of narcissism? What are some of the behaviors of narcissism?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of denial in The Loved One. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to be in some sort of denial? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in The Loved One. Consider not only the death of humans and animals but the comments the author makes on the ritual of death in America.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes The Loved One interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Dennis. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Amiee. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Mr. Joyboy. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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