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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. Why would moving to Delaford cause Elinor pain?

2. What does John Dashwood suggest in his letter?

3. Who arrives at the cottage unexpectedly?

4. Why does Mrs Palmer leave the house when Marianne falls ill?

5. Where do Marianne and Elinor move to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Elinor closer to Marianne in character than first thought?

2. Do you think Marianne can be happy with Colonel Brandon?

3. How is Mrs. Dashwood one of the more unselfish characters in the book?

4. What is the importance of the Steele's appearance in the story?

5. Why does the Colonel ask Elinor to tell Edward about his new position in the Parish?

6. Have the sisters changed during their time in London?

7. Why is having sense so important to Elinor?

8. How much does Marianne's mental state contribute to her illness?

9. In what ways are Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood alike?

10. Why is it important that the Colonel is one of the oldest characters in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Letter writing is an important form of communication in the book and sometimes the only form of communication between two characters. Discuss the role letter writing has in the story.

1) Do Marianne's letters to Willoughby display her immaturity? Does she leave herself open to manipulation?

2) Why do you think Elinor never writes a letter to Edward? What does it say about her character? What does it say about her relationship to Edward?

3) Why do you think Colonel Brandon goes to Barton to deliver the news of Marianne's illness? Would it have been quicker to send Mrs. Dashwood a letter? What does it say about how people regarded letter writing in the eighteenth century? Is it different to how people regard letter writing today?

Essay Topic 2

The Dashwoods seem to complement each other perfectly and even though they have problems they work together to get out of them and end the story finding happiness. How do you think they work together so well? What are their individual roles? Is one person stronger than the other?

Take away a member of family from the story and discuss how the story could have been different. Would Marianne still be alive? Could Elinor maintain her practical outlook?

Essay Topic 3

Austen presents Elinor as a logical person, but also hints she oppresses her emotional side for the good of the family.

1) Look at two examples where Elinor represses her emotions. For what reason does she do it? In each instance, what would happen if didn't oppress her emotions?

2) Do you think it is good or bad for Elinor to repress her emotions?

(see the answer keys)

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