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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 type of people live in the area where Ellen lives?

2. What does Newland consider his job to be regarding May?

3. What is Newland's objection to handling the divorce?

4. Who hosts the event in Chapter 3?

5. What is the event that occurs in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Ellen Olenska?

2. Explain why Newland is both baffled and pleased by a visit to Ellen's home.

3. How does Newland's sudden change of plans betray his feelings for Ellen?

4. How does Ellen exhibit unconventional behavior in public in Chapter 8?

5. What conflicting messages does Newland receive about Ellen's feelings for him in Chapter 15?

6. Why does Newland visit Mrs. Mingott when he returns to New York?

7. Describe how the van der Luydens show their power in New York society.

8. What is the reason for the Wellands' annual trip to Florida?

9. How does Newland feel about Ellen's rumored involvement with her husband's secretary?

10. What is the turning point of the book as exhibited in Chapter 19?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story takes place in the early 1870s in New York City. Explain why the story could not have taken place in any other setting--both time period and location.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how Newland's perception of May evolves as he has more exposure to Ellen. How does Newland come to view May during their honeymoon trip? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Ellen's arrival into the scene so controversial? Why does she make the others so uncomfortable?

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