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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. Hadley makes a deal with Ernest that she will give him a divorce if he still wants Pauline after sending her away for ______________.

2. What does Pauline do one day when Hadley and Ernest were napping?

3. How does Ernest feel about Pauline and Hadley?

4. What does Ernest tell Hadley when he is writing her memoirs?

5. What does Hadley and Bumby do when they arrive in New York?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Ernest and Hadley decide to return to Paris?

2. Why did Hadley set sail for the United States with Bumby?

3. What happens when Hadley goes to visit Kitty at Kitty's apartment?

4. Why is Zelda jealous and what does she think of Ernest?

5. Where do Ernest, Hadley, and Bumby go and how was the trip?

6. Describe Hadley's birthing of their son.

7. What surprises Hadley about Ernest's new book and what is his explanation about it?

8. What deal did Hadley offer Ernest?

9. What does Pauline suggest about The Torrents of Spring and how does Hadley feel about the suggestion?

10. What job did Ezra get Ernest and how did Ernest feel about the editor-in-chief?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot is present in The Paris Wife? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

The reader learns that while Ernest is afraid of marrying, he is more afraid of being alone. This aspect of his psyche contributes to Ernest's relationship problems. It is finally revealed that Kate was in love with Ernest and she was jealous of Hadley's relationship with him. The tragedy of her own family is underscored when Hadley observes that so many members of her family are not at her wedding. Ernest is saying all the right words, but his reputation and youth will surely challenge their marriage. A serious disparity in their marriage is beginning to emerge. It is obvious that Ernest is most concerned with his writing.

1. Why do you think Ernest was afraid of marriage? Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss the ways in which Ernest's fears of marriage and fears of being alone affected his marriages. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

3. Why do you think Ernest's reputation and youth affected his marriage with Hadley? Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

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)

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