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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. When Giorgio goes out, how are Annabel's neighbors arranged?

2. What does the doctor's wife say about Annabel's wanting to speak to the press immediately?

3. Why does the doctor come to talk to Annabel rather than the police?

4. What word is used to describe Annabel's eyes?

5. Who writes the film in which Annabel is to star?

Short Essay Questions

1. The last guest to come to Annabel's flat was Dr.Tommasi. Why was he there and how did Annabel receive the news he came to deliver?

2. Frederick, always keeping in the back of his mind the idea of leaving Annabel, had taken a mistress and in Chapter III, we learn that he is constantly going away. How is Annabel managing her private life?

3. Annabel was reading her new script, "The Staircase" when the bell rang. She answered the door and saw friends of Billy, or people who seemed to be his friends and who said they were there for a house warming party at seven 0'clock, according to Frederick. What did Annabel do?

4. Frederick was attracted to Francesca, Luigi's press secretary, but even though she shared the attraction, she was more concerned about her job. How did she continue to promote Annabel as part of a couple?

5. Annabel made a second film and then she was to make a next film. Rumors were that Frederick was to play a leading role. What actually happened to Frederick?

6. What is the relationship of Billy O'Brien to the Christopher family?

7. Annabel was now the principal wage earner. Frederick's intellectual aspect and dignity were possible because of what Annabel earned. How did Frederick feel about this?

8. The press entered the room in a rush and surged towards Annabel in Chapter 4. She sat among her neighbors who conveyed their sense of empathy and deep feeling for her loss, as Annabel blinked away her tears and looked warmly down at her baby. How did the press approach her? Was this an event staged by Annabel to control the damage Frederick had wrought?

9. In Chapter II, we learn that "The House on the Piazza" was the film that established Annabel's reputation. However, the film itself did not draw crowds and was considered lifeless. How did Frederick view the film?

10. Dr.Tommasi brings Annabel to her flat where the press is waiting for her. She tells the doctor she needs a half hour to see her baby and then she wants to see the press, but she wants all her neighbors to be with her. Why is Annabel asking for her neighbors to be with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Frederick is hostile towards Annabel and her career. Is money an underlying factor? Who is the primary wage earner? Is money ever discussed? How has money affected the way that Annabel and Frederick live?

Essay Topic 2

Is the author,Muriel Spark, a product of her times? The book was published forty years ago. Do you think attitudes towards men and women have changed? If changed, has it affected the workplace? The home? At times, do you find the author skewed in favor of favor of Frederick or Annabel? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Billy, Annabel and Frederick were longtime friends. Have they remained friends? What is the ongoing relationship between Annabel and Billy? Is Billy trustworthy? Does he have ulterior motives for his friendship?

(see the answer keys)

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