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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 was the name of the hanged man?

2. Who tells the servants and tenants about Ambrose's death?

3. Why does Philip have to wait until he is 25 to take full control of the estate?

4. Before meeting her, why does Louise suspect that Rachel will be very quick-tempered?

5. What month is it when Philip decides to go to Italy to see Ambrose?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rachel wear only one color of gown?

2. Why was Rachel jealous of Philip when Ambrose was alive?

3. What does the servant at the villa tell Philip was Ambrose's and Rachel's normal routine in the summer?

4. Shortly after Rachel's arrival, why does Tamlyn fail to come and collect his pay at the usual time?

5. Why does Ambrose tell Philip that Tom Jenkyn had no excuse for killing his wife?

6. What does Philip intend to do when Rachel comes to see him?

7. What does Philip find striking about the portrait he sees hanging in Aunt Phoebe's rooms before Rachel comes?

8. What reason does Philip give Rachel for not hating her now that he has met her?

9. Why do the servants address Philip differently when he returns home from Italy?

10. How did Ambrose say that Rachel is related to the Ashley family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Philip’s perception of Rachel as a person constantly changes, even before he meets her. Write an essay exploring Philip’s views, how they change, and what changes them.

Essay Topic 2

The author explores how women are perceived by others. She uses both Rachel and Louise to explore this idea. Explain how the author uses Rachel and Louise to examine the perception of women and how the way others perceive them affects the plot of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

One of du Maurier’s central themes is the nature of women. Write an essay discussing the theme. How does the author use Rachel and Louise to demonstrate the nature of women? What idea is the author trying to convey? How does she deliver her message?

(see the answer keys)

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