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

2. What does Stevens answer when asked if he had ever worked for Lord Darlington?

3. What does the elder Mr. Stevens tell Stevens?

4. Why does Stevens awaken early?

5. What is Mr. Stevens' profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Miss Kenton not follow through on her threat to resign?

2. Describe the role that professionalism and loyalty serve in Stevens' life.

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

4. What are Stevens' thoughts about being a good butler?

5. What are the rumors related to Lard Darlington's sympathies for the Nazis?

6. Describe the role that integrity and contributions to society contribute toward making a household a great one.

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

8. What is Miss Kenton's reaction to the dismissal of the Jewish girls?

9. What event occurs to force a change in the elder Mr. Stevens' role at Darlington Hall?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the technique of flashback used extensively in this book. Describe some situations that can be considered flashbacks. Why are they flashbacks? What are the benefits of using flashbacks?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Stevens' emotionally repressed behavior. Why do you think he behaves the way he does? Why does Stevens maintain a cool reserve even in his personal life? Does Stevens even have a personal life?

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