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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 Sophie say she drinks in Isabel's apartment?

2. Why does Larry visit Seville?

3. To whho does Maugham compare Larry?

4. Why does Isabel think Sophie's disappearance is for the best?

5. Which word best describes Larry's voice?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Sophie give in to temptation?

3. What does Larry learn about evil in India?

4. Why is Elliott so upset at not being invited to Edna's party?

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

6. How does Suzanne become a successful artist?

7. What is the story of Sophie's disappearance?

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

9. What does Maugham imagine about Isabel and Gray's life in Texas?

10. In what ways does the story end happily?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 1984, The Razor's Edge was made into a famous film noir film starring Bill Murray. Why do you think the themes and ideas in the book were still relevant forty years later? Do you think the ideas are timeless and universal? Why do you think, in the film, Larry went to Tibet and not India?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: "The Razor's Edge foreshadows beat literature and Larry is an early example of an American beatnik." Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

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