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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. To what kind of a bar does Fran take Katey when they run into each other in Chapter 8?

2. Katey recognizes a work of art in the exhibit that visually represents which of her former friends or acquaintances?

3. What does the sign say that is hanging outside of the bar to which Fran takes Katey?

4. In what state had Eve grown up?

5. In what decade of their lives had Val and Katey started seeing each other?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism inherent in the character of Nathaniel Parrish, as he is featured within Chapter 12?

2. Describe the correspondence Katey receives from Eve during Eve's and Tinker's trip to Palm Beach.

3. In what way is the theme of family bonds depicted in Tinker's comments about his brother Hank?

4. In what way does the epigraph of Rules of Civility depict the theme of class difference?

5. What is the setting of the novel's Preface?

6. In what manner is the novel Rules of Civility organized?

7. What is Katey's reaction when she receives the correspondence from Eve in Palm Beach?

8. Describe the character of Eve.

9. In what way is the plight of the working woman depicted within the character of Charlotte in Chapter 3?

10. Describe the narrator's character and situation within 1938.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Could Amor Towles's novel Rules of Civility be classified as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Trace the characterization arc of Katey’s character throughout the novel. Discuss whether she is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Amor Towles's novel Rules of Civility from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

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