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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. Why is Hadley in mourning?

3. What sort of accusations are circulated about a small newspaper where Ernest works?

4. What does Hadley not mention to Fonnie when she returns to St. Louis?

5. Where does Ernest's job send him?

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

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

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

6. Who is Hadley's father and what did he do?

7. Why did Hadley not want to go to the suffragette meeting with Fonnie?

8. What does Ernest do in Turkey?

9. Why does Ernest go back to Paris briefly?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Hadley and Pauline. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ernest and Ezra. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Paris Wife help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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).

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Paris Wife.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Paris Wife. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Paris Wife. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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