View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Stevens' father's profession?

2. Why does Miss Kenton interrupt the conference to beckon Stevens out of the room?

3. What determines a great household?

4. Who is Mr. Stevens' current employer?

5. Why does Stevens awaken early?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the staffing situation at Darlington Hall different from the time Miss Kenton had worked there?

2. What occasion does Stevens recall where the silver altered the apprehensive nature of a guest?

3. What irony or insult to Lord Darlington does Stevens think about when recalling the German ambassador's visit?

4. How has the elder Mr. Stevens affected Stevens and the relationship the two ultimately share?

5. How does Stevens finally justify his time spent with Lord Darlington?

6. How is Stevens' reserve shown regarding Miss Kenton's letter?

7. When does Stevens first get a glimpse of Lord Darlington's Nazi sympathies?

8. What is the significance of the March 23 conference hosted by Lord Darlington?

9. What happens when Miss Kenton returns to Darlington Hall that evening?

10. What is Stevens' position on whether a man has innate dignity or not.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the narrative style of writing in the book. Who is the narrator? How is his character defined through this choice of writing style?

Essay Topic 2

Explain why the resignation of Lisa is so wounding to Miss Kenton. How did Lisa betray Miss Kenton's trust? Why does Miss Kenton think Lisa is foolish? Why is Miss Kenton secretly jealous of Lisa?

Essay Topic 3

How does Stevens justify the humiliating behavior inflicted by Lord Darlington's guests toward him? What is his view on the laws of nature? Does he truly feel that class distinction has its place even after he has been a victim of its cruelty?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 924 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample