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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. From the window in what room does Lola notice Briony, as answered in question #49?

2. What is Briony freed from when she writes a play, much to her delight?

3. Who does Emily count on to care for the guests when they arrive, which calms Emily and allows her to sleep?

4. What does the person in #80 end up doing in response to Briony's refusal to acknowledge them?

5. While Briony is sick of being outdoors, she is not ready to ________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Briony's reaction to her big brother when he approaches her?

3. What does Briony think she should have done for her brother, Leon's, return?

4. Where does Briony imagine herself to be?

5. What does Briony realize to be one of the strengths of writing for drama?

6. Who pronounces the unthinkable word, "divorce?"

7. What does Emily think will prevent Cecilia from finding a husband?

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

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

10. What does Lola ask of Marshall in as grown-up a manner as she can muster?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The ending of Atonement is one that can be confusing to the reader, as Briony is the one telling the tale.

Part 1: What are the two endings to the story of Atonement?

Part 2: Which ending seems to be "real" in terms of the storytelling? Which one is more believable?

Part 3: What do you think happens to Cecilia and Robbie at the end of this story?

Essay Topic 3

The vase becomes a symbolic item in this story, with its glorious return to the family, then its breaking, repair, and then eventual demise.

Part 1: What is the story of the vase's return to the family?

Part 2: How does the vase become broken in the first place?

Part 3: What does the breaking and repair of the case seem to symbolize in relation to the relationship between Robbie and Cecilia?

(see the answer keys)

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