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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. Where is Robbie injured according to the opening of this second of the book?

2. Where does Briony head in order to find the twins, musing about taking final responsibility for animal and child?

3. What is being served at dinner when Robbie returns to the table?

4. What does Briony think she sees through the windows?

5. What does Briony grab in order to prove the story she is telling to the head inspector?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Briony the one who is left with the adults to tell the story?

2. How does Briony reveal her true self within this section?

3. What does Briony picture has happened to the twins?

4. Where does Cecilia run off to in order to be free of her mother?

5. How does Briony escape Cecelia's questioning?

6. What does Emily think her husband will do soon?

7. What has happened to Lola, according to Briony?

8. What does Emily think about the disappearance of the twins?

9. Who enters the library and catches Robbie and Cecilia?

10. Who are the three stragglers that are moving toward a bombed out house as they attempt to find a shortcut to the sea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of atonement is not a surprising theme, given the title of the book.

Part 1: Who is the character that decides he/she needs to atone for his/her sins?

Part 2: Why does this character feel the way he/she does?

Part 3: Do you think this character is genuine in his/her desire to make things right? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Briony sticks to her story about Robbie and Lola, even though it's clear to the reader this might not be the right story.

Part 1: What does Briony think happened between Lola and Robbie?

Part 2: What does Lola think happened during this event?

Part 3: Why does Briony stick to her story? What might her motivations be? What might Briony gain from telling the story she tells to the police?

(see the answer keys)

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