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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 does the narrator say he will he never think again about tramps?

2. What does the narrator find uncomfortable in this chapter?

3. How does the narrator describe Paddy's ignorance?

4. What does the narrator talk about in this chapter?

5. What does the narrator say a tramp needs?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the sleeping conditions of a spike.

2. What reason does the carpenter give for throwing away all the food?

3. What is the narrator's theory about British swear words?

4. Why does Paddy want to bury his five pence?

5. What ideas does the narrator have to improve the tramp's lives?

6. Why does the narrator use Croydon as an example of a good lodging house?

7. Summarize chapter 37.

8. Why do you think the author includes this apparently irrelevant chapter in the book?

9. Describe the character of Paddy.

10. What kind of people live in the lodging house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Orwell use character and dialogue to drive the narrative.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Besides from the main character examine the way Orwell uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

Down and Out in Paris and London focuses on poverty.

1) Why was poverty such an issue in 1930's Europe?

2) What problems did Orwell highlight concerning poverty?

3) What problems concerning poverty in Europe could Orwell focus on today?

Essay Topic 3

Down and Out in Paris and London is a semi-autobiographical novel, adhering to the rule, writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Orwell knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Orwell does not portray a character or setting so well? What affect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

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