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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 is the overall goal of the conference?

2. What is the subject of Miss Kenton's letter?

3. Voicing his comparisons of himself to other butlers would be ____________.

4. Stevens believes that the rungs of a social ladder have been replaced by __________.

5. How does Stevens feel about serving at Darlington Hall for so many years?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the role of flashbacks in the story.

2. How has the butler profession changed since the days of Steven's father's time in the job?

3. How does Stevens feel about visiting the small pond?

4. What are Stevens' continuing thoughts on what makes a great butler?

5. Describe Stevens' demeanor and bearing.

6. Who is Mr. Cardinal and what does Stevens recall about him?

7. What are the circumstances of the elder Mr. Stevens coming to work at Darlington Hall?

8. What is the extent of Stevens' travels during his lifetime?

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

10. Who is Lisa and why does her presence create such a stir at Darlington Hall?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Stevens' preparations for his road trip. How do his preparations mirror his personality? Why is the trip out of character for him?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the symbolism of Stevens' sighting of the Giffen Silver Polish sign. What does silver polish signify for him? What did properly polished silver represent to important households? To Stevens?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the unspoken attraction between Stevens and Miss Kenton. How does Miss Kenton try to get to know Stevens on a more personal level? Is she successful? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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