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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. Why does Hadley not do what Ernest wants?

2. What is wrong with Ernest when he arrives back in Paris?

3. Where do the Hemingways spend some time?

4. Why does Ernest rent an office?

5. What did Hadley's father establish in St. Louis?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Hemingway's outing with the Pounds.

2. Where was Hadley when the novel opens and what is she doing?

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

4. What does Ernest tell Hadley about Agnes and how does Hadley feel about what he says?

5. What does Ernest do in Turkey?

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

7. How does Ernest start to break into the Paris literary scene?

8. Why does Ernest go back to Paris briefly?

9. How did Hadley and Ernest adjust to Paris life?

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

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

Characters are an important part of what makes The Paris Wife interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ernest. 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 Hadley. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Pauline. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Paris Wife. The questions are ones that McLain most likely wants 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 McLain' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss McLain' 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 McLain and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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