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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. What does Hadley do with Ernest's last letter?

2. What does Hadley figure out?

3. What does Pauline encourage Hadley to do?

4. Where do the Hemingways go for a nightcap?

5. Why is Ernest demoted?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What happens that makes Hadley realize she had to do something about her life?

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

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

9. How does Hadley feel about Pauline visiting them in Austria?

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

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 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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