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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. To what sound does Tony awaken?

2. What is hard for Tony?

3. After the family meeting, where does one of Brenda's brothers go?

4. Why does Jock apologize?

5. What strikes terror into Rosa's people?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Tony again entrusted his life to someone for whom that trust is not valid?

2. What seems most important to Tony as he lies possibly dying and alone?

3. How does Brenda use the death of her son to justify her request for a divorce?

4. What is Tony's position in Brenda's social circle by the end of this chapter?

5. How long is it before Tony and Messinger are able to talk to the men of the village about what they want?

6. What is the symbolic significance of the first book that Tony reads?

7. Why do you think Tony decides to go away for awhile?

8. What do Messigner and Tony decide to do and do you think they make the best choice?

9. How is the inadequacies of the social circle in which Brenda revolves evident with the death of John Andrew?

10. How does Reggie present the situation about Brenda to Tony?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Waugh offers an alternate ending in his serialization of A HANDFUL OF DUST in an American magazine. In that ending, Tony returns to England, is reunited with Brenda, moves into her flat and begins a series of affairs himself. Discuss the following:

1. Which ending to the novel do you think is closer to reality? Why?

2. Which ending is a more honorable one for Tony? Why?

3. Do you think Brenda would have welcomed Tony back and then stayed with it despite his affairs? Explain your reasoning using examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

One of the major themes of A HANDFUL OF DUST is that of the differences among different classes in 1930's England. When the book opens, we meet Mrs. Beaver and her son John, who though they once lived in luxury, now get by through Mrs. Beaver's foray into the mundane middle class of making a living. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Discuss the idea of "class" as it exists in this novel. Be sure to include specific examples from the text and a definition of class.

2. Compare and contrast the life of upper-class England with that of either the middle class or lower class (i.e., the servants) as it exists in the novel. What is the upper class attitude towards earning a living? The middle class? The lower class? Which class seems the most practical? The most idealistic?

3. Discuss the following question: What is more of a barrier among people: class, education, religion or gender? Explain your reasoning fully using examples both from the text and your own life experiences.

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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