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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. Where does John next encounter Brenda?

2. How does Mrs. Rattery look as she emerges from the plane?

3. What excuse does Brenda use to miss the annual event?

4. Why does Tony feel guilty the next day?

5. Why doesn't Brenda allow John to come in to where she is staying after the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two messages does Tony receive that are disappointing to Tony?

2. How does it seem the women and men of the upper social class are portrayed in this chapter?

3. Why is Beaver annoyed at Polly's party, but why does he put up with his annoyance?

4. Why do you think Tony is unconcerned with Brenda spending time in London with her old social circle?

5. How does it seem Mrs. Beaver is manipulating something between Brenda and John Beaver?

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

7. Is it likely that John Beaver at this point is not really interested in pursuing something with Brenda Last?

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

9. Do you think that a class is a good enough reason to miss the beginning of an annual, traditional event at Hetton as Brenda does?

10. What do you think about Jock's behavior towards his friend, Tony?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of themes in this story, one of which has already been discussed. Discuss one of the following:

1. Choose two major themes (other than that of class) and analyze them and discuss examples of where that theme appears in the text.

2. Compare and contrast two major themes in the novel to those themes found in other texts/movies with which you are familiar.

3. Other than class, which theme do you think is the major theme of the book? Discuss why and give example

Essay Topic 3

Evelyn Waugh is known for his social satires, A HANDFUL OF DUST being one of his most well-known. Discuss the following:

1. What is a social satire? Give other examples besides A Handful of Dust.

2. Discuss why A Handful of Dust is considered a social satire. Give specific examples to support your ideas.

3. Discuss how effective A HANDFUL OF DUST is as a social satire.

(see the answer keys)

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