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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. Who does Emily think will be hindered in her search for a husband because of her education level?

2. What is happening with Briony's cousins that causes them to come to stay with her family for the time being?

3. What does Lola laugh with when she is called to her bath time with her brothers?

4. Who is the friend of Cecilia's brother that is coming to visit?

5. What do Emily's daughters call her, knowing that she does not give them the attention they should get as her children?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Briony imagine herself to be?

2. Why does Cecilia not go to the kitchen to fill up the vase with water?

3. What has fallen into disrepair, according to the narrative in this section?

4. What does Briony do when she has finished a piece of writing?

5. Why does Emily retreat to her bedroom each and every day?

6. Who does Emily trust to take care of things around the house while she tries to rest?

7. What does Robbie presume will happen in relation to the funding for his future schooling?

8. Why is Briony relieved when everyone leaves her alone in the nursery?

9. What does Briony do as she constructs yet another story?

10. What is Robbie thinking of as he soaks in a bathtub?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The men of the story seem to play more of a background role, even though they are an integral part of the action.

Part 1: Describe the role of Leon. Who is he and what does he provide for the story?

Part 2: Describe the character of Paul Marshall. Who is he and what does he bring to the story?

Part 3: Describe the character of Robbie. Who is he and what does he bring to the story?

Essay Topic 2

The library scene between Robbie and Cecilia is one that can shock readers, while also causing them to learn more about these two characters and their feelings for each other.

Part 1: Why do you think this scene was narrated by Robbie instead of Cecilia?

Part 2: How did you feel about Robbie before the scene? After the scene?

Part 3: How does this scene show the true feelings between these two characters?

Essay Topic 3

The idea of a letter becomes an important plot point at several times in this story.

Part 1: List three instances in which a letter delivers an important message.

Part 2: Are there any instances in which a letter is used for a positive purpose? What are they?

Part 3: In today's times, could these messages be delivered by e-mail? Or is the structure of the letter crucial to its value and its worth? Does the actual format of the letter add to the meaning?

(see the answer keys)

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