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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 was Cora looking to find along the Essex shoreline?

2. Why does William visit Cracknell?

3. What causes the Fata Morgana illusion?

4. How do Cora and William strike up a writing habit?

5. What propaganda is used to promote the changing of London housing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Stella find in Aldwinter that kept her entertained and happy?

2. What did Cora state emphatically about her comings and goings to Charles Ambrose while having tea?

3. In the introduction, what was the young man celebrating?

4. Who does Spencer write to to request help regarding improving the housing project in London?

5. Cora was out for a walk and stumbled upon what scene?

6. Whom did Naomi believe to have webbed hands like her own?

7. What did Francis insist on doing immediately after the funeral services of Michael Seaborne?

8. Luke Garrett was the first person to successfully complete what type of surgery in London?

9. What character is introduced reciting the parts of the human heart?

10. What caused the naturalist, Mary Anning, to begin her studies of the natural sciences?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Cora discusses the manner in which she has switched her faith in religion to her faith in science. William questions her, "You think—you really think—that it is one or the other: your faith or your reason?" (127). Consider William's question and write an essay discussing whether religious faith and scientific reason can be combined, or does it have to be one or the other? Provide evidence for your response.

Essay Topic 2

Cora is accused of being a solipsist. Solipsist is defined as a theory in which only the self is proven to exist and includes a preoccupation of one's own feelings and desires; egotistical. Discuss your opinion of the theory and how it relates to Cora.

Essay Topic 3

The book begins with a young New Year's Eve reveler at the edge of the water. He is preparing to take a swim when he finds he is spooked by something in the water. Eventually, he realizes he is imagining it and takes a quick dip. Later in the novel we learn that the man was found the next day, naked with his neck broken. Why does the author begin the book in this manner? What does this sub-story lend to the overall text? What caused the man's broken neck? Provide evidence for your answer.

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