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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 does Maugham think that Sophie is going through?

2. Who does Maugham meet at the police station?

3. To whho does Maugham compare Larry?

4. What has Larry got enough money to do?

5. Of what nationality is Edna?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Isabel leave the vodka to tempt Sophie?

2. Explain what Larry sees and feels when he experiences the Absolute?

3. How does the reader know that Isabel is still in love with Larry?

4. How does Isabel react to Sophie's disappearance?

5. Do you think there is anything suspicious about the incident with the vodka?

6. In what ways does the story end happily?

7. In what way does Maugham criticize the church?

8. In what way has Elliot changed from the last time Maugham saw him?

9. How does Sophie give in to temptation?

10. What does Elliott say in answer to Edna's invitation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Indian culture. What influence has it had on America and the western world in terms of politics, arts and religion. Why would Larry go to India to find himself?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the following statement: "The Razor's Edge fails because it examines the effects of the First World War from too privileged a viewpoint." Using two examples from the book argue for or against the statement.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of the 1920's.

1) Why was greed and loyalty such an issue during this time?

2) In what ways are the characters' negative characteristics a product of their time? Do you think America was going through a transitional phase in the 1920's? What significant changes do you think occurred during this period?

3)Does modern society share any values with 1920's America?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 798 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample