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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 Merricat consider replacing her father's book in the tree with?

2. Who was accused of the Blackwoods' murders?

3. Where does Charles sit at dinner?

4. Why didn't Charles ever visit the girls before?

5. What does Julian describe in detail in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Merricat come up with to keep the change away?

2. Why does Julian say people should not be afraid to visit the Blackwood house?

3. What does Mary Katherine imagine while she is shopping in order to distract herself from the villagers?

4. Who are Julian and Jonas?

5. What do Helen and Mrs. Wright encourage Constance to do in Chapter 2?

6. Describe the Blackwoods' collection of preserves.

7. Who comes to see Julian in Chapter 3? What does Constance do before his arrival?

8. What does Merricat speak to Constance about playfully at the beginning of Chapter 5?

9. What does Mary Katherine wonder about the library books in Chapter 1?

10. What does Julian describe in detail in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the conclusion of the novel. Are there any surprises at the end? Are there any unanswered questions? Did you enjoy the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the motif of fear in "We Have Always Lived in the Castle." What are some examples of fear in the novel? What is Merricat fearful of and why? What are other characters fearful of and why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Constance's agoraphobia. How does it affect her life? How does it affect Merricat's life? What might be the cause of Constance's agoraphobia? What tone does this aspect of her character create?

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