View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who visits Jean to talk about Duncan?

2. Who does the brotherhood believe killed Jenkin?

3. What does Gulliver do with the snail he finds in the trains?

4. Who does Tamar invite for tea in this section?

5. From who does Duncan unexpectedly receive a letter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Rose and Gerard think about past events?

2. Why have Jean and Duncan left for France?

3. How does Duncan react to Jenkin's death?

4. What are Jean and Duncan keeping from each other?

5. What news does Duncan hear from Crimond?

6. Why does Rose refuse to marry Crimond?

7. What does Lily confide in Rose about snails?

8. Why is Jean happy Duncan has been unfaithful to her?

9. How has Duncan's character changed?

10. What do Rose and Gerard regret when they leave each other?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the main turning points of the novel? How does Murdoch develop her story to get to each turning point? What happens to the story after a major turning point?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the novel's dialogue. How does the author's dialogue contribute to the following areas?

1. Character

2. Setting

3. Plot

Essay Topic 3

Identify the main themes of the story. In what way are these themes relevant to the period? How does the author use character and setting to express these themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 604 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample