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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. Where do Ernest, Hadley and Bumby go on vacation?

2. Whom does Hadley marry?

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

4. How does Ernest feel about Pauline and Hadley?

5. Whom of the women Hadley is meeting does she start liking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Hadley do with her son before settling into a home in the United States?

2. What does Ernest write Hadley from Madrid, and why does Ernest hate to be alone?

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

4. What deal did Hadley offer Ernest?

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

6. About what is Hadley hurt and angry that Pauline tells her?

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

8. Summarize Ernest's future with women.

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

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

Often, authors will write about "what they know." Sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Paula McLain.

2. What in McLain's background may have helped him in writing The Paris Wife? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Ernest's career and Hadley's loneliness are again at odds. Hadley's lack of self-worth makes her dependent on Ernest for her happiness. She realizes deep down that he must write, but she passively discourages him from doing so by her behavior. But ,perhaps, Ernest is using his writing as an excuse to be away from her.

1. Discuss ways in which Hadley's lack of self-worth might make her feel lonely when Ernest was not around. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss the ways in which it was shown Hadley passively discouraged Ernest from writing. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

3. Discuss how Ernest using his writing as an excuse to be away from Hadley might have affected his writing. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,168 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample