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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. For whom is Hemingway writing copy?

2. What does Ernest try to do when Hadley tells him of the incident on the train?

3. Why does Ernest insist upon going back to Paris?

4. Why does Hadley have difficulty with what Ernest accuses her?

5. What do the train officials tell Hadley?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens on the train when Hadley is traveling to join Ernest?

2. How does Ernest's writing change after his visit to Stein?

3. When does Hadley visit Ernest and why is she upset by what he tells her? What is her response?

4. Why is Hadley in mourning and why does she think the party will help?

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

6. What did Hadley learn about Ernest when she met him the next morning in the kitchen?

7. Where do the Hadley and Ernest live right after their marriage, and how do they have the money to sustain them?

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

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

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

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.

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

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Paris Wife and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Paris Wife is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,190 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample