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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 has Jenny inadvertently renamed Tony?

2. Where is Brenda meeting Marjorie later?

3. Why is John annoyed with Brenda?

4. Who does Tony invite to the hunt?

5. Of what does Brenda convince Tony?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you characterize John Beaver's idea of a relationship with a woman (including Brenda)?

2. What happens in this chapter that indicates Brenda's lack of devotion as a mother?

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

4. How is it obvious that though Brenda thinks she is in control of the relationship between her and Beaver, he actually probably has more control over it?

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

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

7. What are several things revealed about Jenny Abdul Akbar?

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

9. Give a brief description of the Last family members.

10. What sort of "struggle" seems to be going on between Brenda and John Beaver?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 3, "Hard Cheese on Tony: Part Seven," Brenda sends Tony a letter telling him about her affair with John and asking to end their marriage. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Brenda would be so cruel as to write Tony just a couple days after the death of their son?

2. Do you think Brenda ever loved Tony? Why or why not? Give examples.

3. What would be your response if someone did something like what Brenda does in writing Tony so soon after the death of their son?

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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