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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. When Edward stays at Florence's house prior to their marriage, what is the room called where Edward always sleeps?

2. Edward mistakes the inner turmoil causing Florence's leg muscle spasm for what other emotion?

3. What is the main reason that Edward accepts Florence's invitation to attend a quartet rehearsal?

4. When Edward thinks of his future daughter with Florence becoming a musician, which instrument does he not "entirely rule out" (153)?

5. Edward is permitted to lie on Florence's bed as long as it is daytime and she is doing what activity?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Edward's move to yank his tie off and to unbutton his shirt with his other hand as he approaches the bed?

2. When Edward decides that Florence has deceived him about their love, what reasons does Edward consider for why Florence might be marrying him?

3. When the narrator asks what is stopping the couple from joyously and freely moving to consummate their marriage, what is the narrator's provided reply?

4. For what reason does Florence tell Edward on their wedding night that she is scared about their first sexual experience?

5. What evidence is given for the assertion that Marjorie likes Florence?

6. What is the author's purpose for introducing Edward's memory about the combine harvester?

7. What event precipitates Edward's declaration of love to Florence and why does it mean so much to Florence?

8. Who is Harold Mather and what is the significance of his character?

9. What observations does Edward provide about the relationship between Geoffey and his daughter Florence?

10. How does Edward's analysis of the situation with Harold Mather change over a matter of weeks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explicate the theme of shame within the novella, particularly in relation to the novel's female protagonist. What is the author's message regarding the emotion of shame and how do you know?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the novella On Chesil Beach from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of the novella and the author's choice of narrator to relay the narrative. How does the author employ each and how does their juxtaposition help the author get across the main messages of the novella?

(see the answer keys)

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