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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 is John Beaver's age?

2. Why does Tony call and awaken Brenda?

3. From whom does John receive a phone call?

4. What event is Brenda going to miss at Hetton?

5. Where does John encounter Tony?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think is a theme that is introduced in this first chapter?

2. Do you think John Beaver knows what the upper class people with whom he wants to associate think of him?

3. Describe Jock's date for the hunt weekend.

4. How is John Beaver's social standing improving through his affair with Brenda?

5. How does John Andrew's behavior demonstrate that he is indeed being affected by the disruption of the household?

6. How does Tony demonstrate his willingness to accommodate Brenda's friends and what is their attitude towards Tony?

7. What occurs in this chapter to demonstrate how far Brenda has sunken into self deceit?

8. What demonstrates the possibility that Brenda is already planning a divorce?

9. What demonstrates that Tony is trying to regain emotional intimacy with Brenda?

10. What does Brenda propose to Tony and why do you think he agrees?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In , Chapter 3, "Hard Cheese on Tony , Part 1," Tony encounters Jock at the Brat's Club. At first Jock feels a little awkward with Tony, since everyone knows about Brenda's affair with John Beaver. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think it is wrong of Jock to know something so important to Tony's life and not tell him? Why or why not?

2. Where are there other examples in the text when Brenda's affair is being discussed? Give examples and analyze the motives of the characters and morality of the situation.

3. Do you think Brenda not saying anything sooner is motivated out of compassion or greed? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 2, "English Gothic: Part One," the rooms of Hetton Abbey are named after characters in the story of King Arthur. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Discuss fully the legend of King Arthur.

2. Discuss how the legend of King Arthur and A Handful of Dust are similar and why.

3. Discuss how A Handful of Dust and the legend of King Arthur are different and why.

Essay Topic 3

One person is seldom to blame when adultery comes into a marriage. Discuss the following:

1. What factors push Brenda into adultery? Give examples.

2. What is Tony's part in why Brenda chooses to be unfaithful? Should he accept part of the blame? Give examples.

3. Do you think the way Tony treats Brenda after her request for a divorce is fair and honorable? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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