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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. Who becomes the Hemingway's son's godmother?

2. In what state are Hadley and Bumby on the beach?

3. What is Hadley given for pain?

4. With whom does Hadley spend a lot of time in Paris?

5. What does Ernest say when Hadley asks about a possible move?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Cayetano Ordonez and what does he do that involves Hadley after a bull fight?

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

3. How did Pauline and Ernest begin an affair and how did Ernest feel about her and Hadley?

4. What evidence of success did Ernest have?

5. Describe the confrontation between Ernest and Hadley about Pauline.

6. How does it appear that Hadley and Pauline are friends? How does Hadley really feel about Pauline?

7. Who begins to visit the Hemingways frequently and what does Ernest think of her?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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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