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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. Marianne tells her sister she will try to love Edward in what way?

2. What does Lucy want Edward to do for a living?

3. What topic of conversation do the Dashwoods draw Edward into?

4. Why does Mrs. Jennings say Sir John will be disappointed?

5. What does Marianne notice under Edward's ring?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sir John's character say about eighteenth century upper class?

2. What comparisons does Austen draw from the Dashwood's situation at Norland with John and their new situation in Barton with Sir John?

3. Is Marianne in love with Willoughby?

4. Is Elinor a better match for Edward than Lucy?

5. Why do you think Elinor tries to act normally with Edward even though she is upset with his strange behavior?

6. Do you think John and Fanny have illegitimate reasons for not giving money to the Dashwood's?

7. How do the group's discussion of what they will do with a fortune express their individual characters?

8. Is it important that Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are opposites?

9. What do you think the importance of Willoughby is to the story at this point?

10. Why do you think Austen presents Sir John and his wife as nice people, but overall overbred simpletons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lucy and Anne Steele make a striking contrast to Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Discuss this contrast.

1) What are the similarities and differences between the two pairs of sisters? Why do you think they do not get along?

2) Do the relationships between each pair of sisters work in a similar way?

3) How does Austen use the contrast to present her opinions on class and privileged upbringings?

Essay Topic 2

Willoughby and Brandon both tell stories that move the Dashwoods. Why do you think Brandon elicits more sympathy? What do the story says about their different personalities?

Essay Topic 3

Jane Austen often presents John Dashwood as a figure to make fun of. Do you think this is fair to his character? Is his decision not to give his sisters any money more than just a financial decision? Does he try to make it up to them as the story progresses? What does this say about his character?

(see the answer keys)

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