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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. In how many points of view does Briony want to write about the scene she has just seen?

2. At what age does Briony write her first short story, allowing for the beginning of her life's writing escapades?

3. How old is Briony at the start of this story?

4. What is wrong, according to the dictionary, and according to Briony's discovery in that dictionary?

5. With what degree has Robbie graduated from university?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Briony imagine is happening when she sees Robbie and Cecilia are out at the fountain?

5. What is the name of the play Briony has been trying to prepare for a few days?

6. What does Cecilia try to do in order to recover the appearance of the vase?

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

8. Describe the state of Cecilia at the beginning of this section.

9. Why does Robbie think he should have turned down Leon's invitation to dinner?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The growing up of Briony plays into the overall plot of the story, showing the reader that while she might want to grow up, she isn't quite ready for that adult world.

Part 1: List at least three things that Briony does that shows her immaturity.

Part 2: List at least three things that Briony does that demonstrate that she is growing up in the first part of the book.

Part 3: Has Briony grown up in the second part of the book? Or is she still childish in her interactions and her reactions to Cecilia?

Essay Topic 2

The fountain scene between Robbie and Cecilia is one that begins to turn Briony's attention to darker perceptions of the two characters.

Part 1: Describe what actually happens at the fountain between Robbie and Cecilia.

Part 2: Describe what Briony perceives to have happened during this conversation between the two.

Part 3: Why do you think Cecilia reacted in the scene the way she did? What does this seem to say to Briony?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Cecilia is one that seems a bit complicated to the reader and to the actual story's movement.

Part 1: Describe the character of Cecilia.

Part 2: Is Cecilia as grown up as she seems to be? Why or why not? Does Cecilia feel she is the adult everyone believes her to be?

Part 3: How is Cecilia affected by the loss of Robbie and by the story of Briony?

(see the answer keys)

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