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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 is generally in good humor?

2. What did Mary's mother point out to Mary when Mary was 19?

3. What position does Mary believe Edgar might be offered?

4. At what has Edgar proven himself?

5. From what does Mary try to save Matthew?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is passed around at the end of the party and what does Mary do?

2. What does the Colonel think of Edgar's prospects in his career?

3. How does Edgar bring up the subject of marriage to Mary?

4. What does narration say of the villa in which Mary is staying?

5. What are the topics of conversation between Rowley and Mary?

6. What does Mary point out about Rowley's reputation and what is his response?

7. What sort of arrangements does Edgar make with Ciro?

8. How does Karl present himself?

9. What is Mary's response to Rowley's questions about Edgar and how does Rowley respond?

10. How does Mary end up driving Rowley to his hotel and what happens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Edgar had been a family friend from the time of Mary's youth. She says that when she was nineteen, her mother pointed out that Edgar was in love with her and Mary had dismissed the idea, saying that Edgar - at forty-three - was "an old man." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think many marriages where there is over twenty years difference in age can be successful? Explain your answers with examples from your personal knowledge and from the text.

2. What do you think is the likelihood that marriage to Edgar would be fulfilling and happy for Mary? Give examples from the text to support your statements.

3. What do you think is the likelihood that marriage to Mary would be fulfilling and happy for Edgar? Give examples from the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

Titles are thought to be very important in both giving the reader a clue about the story and enticing one to read a book. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Up at the Villa is the chosen title for this novel?

2. Do you think this title would entice you to read this novel? Why or why not?

3. Do you think this rather nondescript title reflects the story it heralds? Explain your response using examples from the book.

4. If you had to title this novel in order to encourage more readers, what would you name it and why?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 4, the conversation between Karl and Mary turns to age and he says that he's twenty-three. She seems wistful, saying that he has the opportunities of youth in front of him, but Karl says that he's imprisoned by poverty. He admits to having no real plans for his future and presents a picture of hopelessness. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Karl is truly "imprisoned" by poverty? Why or why not?

2. What do you think Karl could do to break out of the prison of poverty? Why do you think he is either unable or unwilling?

3. Why do you think it is so hard to move out of poverty either then or now? What do you think it takes to move from poverty to plenty or even great wealth?

4. Is your personality such that you think you would be one of the few who do manage to break out of poverty if you were very poor? Explain how you might differ from Karl.

(see the answer keys)

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