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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 kind of car do the Phanceys have?

2. What does Viv join in Pall Mall?

3. What kind of trees does Viv hate?

4. What song did Derek always ask Viv to play again?

5. What city in England did Viv live in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does it take Viv two weeks to travel only 200 miles?

2. Describe the character of Sluggsy

3. Summarize the third section.

4. How do things change between Derek and Viv when Derek goes to Oxford?

5. What view does Viv now take of her failed romances?

6. Why does Viv not want to stay another night at the motel?

7. Why does Viv turn on the vacancy sign?

8. Describe the Dreamy Pines Motor Court motel.

9. Summarize the second section.

10. What does Viv do for the two years after she breaks up with Derek?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what way can Viv be seen as a strong character? How does Viv develop this strength in character? Has Viv always been a strong character? What do you think would have happened to Viv if she were a weaker person?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following and examine how it affects the tone of the novel and helps to express character and theme.

1) Setting

2) Point of view

3) Structure

4) Language

Essay Topic 3

Fleming worked as an intelligence officer during World War II, adhering to the rule that writers should write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Fleming knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Fleming does not portray a character or setting so well? What affect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 751 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample