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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. In Chapter 11, what does Vivian tell Malcolm she did not realize about her job until it was time to leave it?

2. In Chapter 8, what is different about Vivian's Christmas morning in Sycamore Cottage from every other Christmas morning she has had for years?

3. In Chapter 11, what does Vivian tell Malcolm about her visit to the museum?

4. In Chapter 8, what does Maddie suggest Vivian tell everyone at home about her staying longer than expected in London?

5. In Chapter 9, what is Malcolm irritated about when he goes to Vivian's hotel to meet her?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 8, what does Vivian tell Malcolm that makes Malcolm doubt much of what he has planned for the two of them in London?

2. In Chapter 11, why does Malcolm take Vivian to the specific museum he chooses to take her to at night?

3. In Chapter 12, how does Vivian handle Miles's surprise visit to Malcolm's flat?

4. In Chapter 10, how does Malcolm explain his strange behavior from his first day in London with Vivian to her?

5. In Chapter 7, what does Vivian often do when faced with a big decision?

6. In Chapter 8, what is different between Malcolm and Vivian for much of the first day they spend together in London from how they were together in Sandringham?

7. In Chapter 12, what does Vivian tell Malcolm about her first impression of his nephew Miles?

8. In Chapter 10, what is Vivian immediately impressed with when she walks into Malcolm's apartment for the first time?

9. In Chapter 10, how does Vivian feel in the morning waking up in her hotel in London next to Malcolm?

10. In Chapter 10, how do Malcolm and Vivian decide to handle Malcolm's surprise plans for her for the rest of their time together?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though the novel is narrated from a third-person point of view, Guillory alternates the focus of her chapters between Vivian and Malcolm. What effect do you think Guillory's switching of her focus between these two main characters has on the reader's perception, and understanding of, those characters? Write an essay explaining your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter Nine, what does Malcolm's treatment of Vivian, and his attitude towards her on their first day in London together, reveal about his character - specifically the way he handles stress and conflict? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay discussing Guillory's tone, style, and language throughout the novel, noting the characters, scenes, and situations in which she departs from her prevailing use of each. (For instance, Guillory uses profane language sparingly, so when she does, it has a more potentially dramatic effect on the reader). Cite specific references to the text to support your conclusions.

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