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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. At whose house does Eliott say they are having lunch?

2. Why does Elliott arrange for Larry to sit next to the Parisian woman?

3. Henry Maturin dies of ___________.

4. In what state does Gray have a plantation?

5. In what city does the narrator meet Elliott?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does Maugham give for Elliott helping Isabel?

2. What is Sophie's tragic story?

3. Describe the point of view Maugham uses.

4. Describe Gray Maturin

5. What does Maugham say he has changed about the real story?

6. What has happened to Elliott in Chapter 7?

7. What is Maugham's opinion of Larry?

8. What happens to the four main characters in Rue de Lappe?

9. What reasons does Isabelle give for staying with Gray?

10. What were the author's reservations about writing the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the 1920's. How does Maugham express these concerns?

2) In what ways do you think the novel's meaning would change if it were set in today's society?

Essay Topic 2

Examine Bohemian life.

1)What are Bohemians? What are their ideas on life? From where do they get their ideas?

2) What influence have Bohemians had on popular culture?

3) Why is it important for Larry to live the Bohemian life? What do you think Larry will achieve by being a Bohemian?

Essay Topic 3

The Razor's Edge is a famous book which has greatly influenced modern literature. Choose a book written after The Razor's Edge that you think was influenced by the novel and discuss there similarities in terms of

a) plot

b) character

c) themes

(see the answer keys)

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