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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 is the name of the crime novelist Strickland enjoys reading?

2. When does Strickland say he last came to Paris?

3. What does Stroeve draw on the blotting paper?

4. Where does Mrs. Stroeve say she used to work?

5. What does the plumber have on his left cheek?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Strickland think he can become a successful painter?

2. Why does Mrs. Strickland think Charles will return to her?

3. Why does Strickland say he is looking forward to painting the plumber?

4. How do Crabbe and Dirk get Strickland out of his apartment?

5. How does Crabbe describe Mrs. Strickland?

6. How does Blanche surprise the author?

7. How does Dirk say he made a fool of himself in this section?

8. How did Crabbe meet Mrs. Strickland?

9. What does the author think of Rev. Robert Strickland's biography of his father?

10. How does Crabbe describe Strickland in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does Maugham suggest is the nature of genius? Why is Charles Strickland considered a genius?

Essay Topic 2

Pick a character from the book and discuss his or her goals and motives. Do they achieve their motive? Do they share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters? How do the characters goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Crabbe's character to the person he was at the beginning of the book to the he is at the end.

1. What did Crabbe hope to achieve at the beginning of the book?

2. What events changes Crabbe's ideas about life?

3. How has Crabbe's character changed by the end of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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