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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. What has become evident to George regarding Rose?

2. What has the narrator done with her second lover today?

3. What does George name his daughter?

4. What is the name of the resort town where the young couple is on vacation?

5. What can Hamish and Mary tell about the person in #44?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the premise of "Wine"?

2. How is Mr. Brooke in "The Witness" typical of Lessing's characters?

3. What is the premise of "One off the Short List"?

4. What is the premise of "A Woman on the Roof"?

5. What is the setting for "The Eye of God in Paradise"?

6. What is the significance of the author leaving the heart behind?

7. What is the meaning of Rose's obsession with adopting Jill?

8. What is the premise of "He"?

9. What is the premise of "A Man and Two Women"?

10. What does the woman in "How I Finally Lost My Heart" realize she is holding in her hands?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters in the stories who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Several of Lessing's works are classic stories of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why do some of the stories fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Create a character study of Hetty Pennefather in "An Old Woman and Her Cat". What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Hetty?

(see the answer keys)

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