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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 book 1, chapter 5, what does Lily intend to do on Sunday morning?

2. How does Lily feel about Gerty's living conditions at the beginning of the story?

3. Who decides to give a party around the holidays?

4. In book 1, chapter 14, what makes Gerty realize that Lawrence Selden is not in love with her?

5. Where does The House of Mirth take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Nettie Struther's feelings toward Lily?

2. What is Lily's goal in life?

3. What will Lily's marriage to Simon Rosedale mean to Lily's self-perception?

4. Explain Lily's dilemma regarding Lawrence Selden and Simon Rosedale.

5. Why does Mrs. Haffen, Lawrence Selden's cleaning lady, think that Lily would want the letters she found while cleaning Lawrence Selden's apartment?

6. Even though Lily is in love with Lawrence Selden,why does she fight her feelings for him?

7. Compare Lawrence Selden's feelings about women with Lily's feelings about women.

8. In book 1, chapter 12, what is the status of the relationship between Lily and Lawrence Selden?

9. In book 2, chapter 10, what is Lily's outlook on life now that she no longer has her social status?

10. In book 2, chapter 3, why is Lawrence Selden afraid for Lily's safety regarding Bertha Dorset?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses foreshadowing throughout The House of Mirth. Give three examples of what you think are the most effective uses of foreshadowing in the story, and why you think these examples are the most effective. Include in your answer what these events foreshadow.

Essay Topic 2

What are the causes of Lily Bart's ultimate downfall? Which causes are external? Which causes are internal? Which cause had the greatest influence on Lily's downfall? Why? Was this cause an external or an internal cause?

Essay Topic 3

Write about one of the following concepts as it relates to The House of Mirth. Give examples from the story that explain your choice.

1) love

2) trust

3) morals

4) logic

5) truth

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 644 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample