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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Michael prepare for his fight with Donald?
(a) Michael ties one of his arms down.
(b) Michael makes a hidden trap door.
(c) Michael hides a knife in some haystacks.
(d) Michael sings a curse song aimed at Donald.

2. How does Donald show thanks to Henchard for his attempt to help the night Lucetta dies?
(a) Donald invites Henchard over for supper.
(b) Donald gives a cordial handshake.
(c) Farfrae sends Henchard a foodbasket.
(d) Donald offers Henchard a seed store.

3. How does Lucetta react to Michael in Donald's farm?
(a) Lucetta ignores him and keeps her stride.
(b) Lucetta writes a letter requesting he stop his patronization.
(c) Lucetta approaches Michael and asks if he wants some tea.
(d) Lucetta stares icily until Henchard turns away.

4. What does Michael do with his last possessions?
(a) He sells his last possessions to pay his new landlord rent.
(b) He sells his watch and gives his last pocket money to a small creditor.
(c) He sets them in front of his old house, unable to leave.
(d) He gives them to Elizabeth and asks for forgiveness.

5. Why is the skimmity ride important to Jopp?
(a) Jopp feels like a leader for once.
(b) The scandal also serves as retaliation.
(c) Jopp uses it to blackmail Lucetta.
(d) Jopp uses it to blackmail Farfrae.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what state does Elizabeth find Henchard's gift?

2. What is the cause of Lucetta's death?

3. Newly bankrupt and now a journeyman, what is the only thing Michael looks forward to?

4. What does Farfrae indirectly offer Henchard?

5. Where is Henchard when the commotions of the scandal are heard from town?

Short Essay Questions

1. Michael decides to buy a wedding present for Elizabeth. Without much money, he settles on a caged goldfinch. What is the significance of the goldfinch? What does it symbolize?

2. Longways and a couple of other men do not like the idea behind the "skimmity ride". Longways sends Donald away to help him avoid embarrassment. Why does he do this for Farfrae but not for Lucetta?

3. Lucetta has a brief encounter with Henchard on the farm. In her anger, she is unable to speak her mind right away and leaves. Angry at Henchard's approach, she writes him a letter to stop being so cruel. How does this show Lucetta's inability to think ahead and learn her mistakes?

4. Henchard reads Lucetta's letters aloud to Farfrae. Although the author is unknown to Farfrae, what do the letters say about the woman who writes them?

5. When Henchard and Lucetta meet at the Ring, Henchard is agreeable. Lucetta plans for that night to get what she wants. How does this meeting show Lucetta's power of persuasion?

6. During Henchard's bankruptcy hearing, Michael shows appreciation towards the creditors. Summarize Henchard's last act that evokes sympathy from his creditors.

7. Henchard promises Lucetta that he returns her letters and not be the one to tell her secret. However, he gives Jopp the letters to send back to Lucetta. Jopp uses this opportunity to retaliate. Even without trying, Michael acts in a way that condemns Lucetta. How much is this in his nature? Does Henchard ever change fully to make sound decisions that do not befall him or the people he cares for?

8. Any drama in Elizabeth's life is not from her own doing. She lives to see how others bear good and bad circumstances. As Elizabeth lives her life, what overall lesson does she learn?

9. Henchard worries that Newson returns and unfolds the truth to Elizabeth. Yet, when Elizabeth goes to Michael for advice and meeting an anonymous person, Henchard tells her to go. Henchard is aware this person is Newson, so why does Henchard not tell her it is dangerous or give some excuse? Why does he lead her to the truth despite knowing he loses her?

10. Michael shows changes for the better. But there are still times that Michael cannot empathize and understand another person's position. How does he show this lack of understanding that people behave differently than he?

(see the answer keys)

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