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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. Where does Ernest's job send him?

2. Ernest's expression sometimes reminds Hadley of ______________.

3. Where does Ernest go to report on an economic conference?

4. How does Kate respond when Hadley asks her about Hemingway?

5. How is Hadley when Ernest meets her the next morning?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Ernest when he was in Italy that he recalls on this trip?

2. What does Sherwood Anderson recommend Ernest do, and how does he help Ernest?

3. What does Ernest recall about an incident with Kate?

4. Where is Ernest sent on Thanksgiving of 1922 and what does he want Hadley to do?

5. Why is the Hemingway's visit with Gertrude Stein unusual, and what does Stein recommend to Ernest?

6. Why does Ernest decide to take some time off from working?

7. What did the couple do in Switzerland?

8. What is the setting for Hadley and Ernest's first lovemaking?

9. What does Ernest believe about Hadley's pregnancy in connection with the lost manuscripts?

10. Where is there news about increased conflicts and how does that affect Ernest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Paris Wife belongs to the historical novel genre. Discuss the following:

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

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 Paris Wife help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Paris Wife? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Paris Wife to discuss and compare one character's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Paris Wife. 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 McLain 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 McLain chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss McLain'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 McLain 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).

(see the answer keys)

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