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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. With which particular person does Laura contrast her own life?
(a) Barbara.
(b) Kitty.
(c) Clarissa.
(d) Virginia.

2. Who wears gold-rimmed glasses?
(a) Sally.
(b) Clarissa.
(c) Oliver St. Ives.
(d) Walter Hardy.

3. What is disturbing about Virginia kissing Vanessa?
(a) It is done behind Nelly's back.
(b) It happens on the train to London.
(c) It is done behind Leonard's back.
(d) It is not quite innocent.

4. What makes Virginia shudder?
(a) Cemeteries.
(b) The strong east wind.
(c) Boiled beef.
(d) The song of the dying thrush.

5. What makes Richie frown in concentration?
(a) Trying to make out the letters on the cake.
(b) The job of removing the candles from the cake.
(c) Trying not to spill crumbs as he eats the birthday cake.
(d) Making a wish as the birthday candles burn.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Virginia describe Vanessa's hand?

2. What causes Laura's unexpressed desperation?

3. From the description at the beginning of this chapter, what would be a good word to use to describe Walter Hardy's expression?

4. Why can't Laura take the sleeping pills?

5. What is the toothbrush-holder made of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Virginia's attitude changed?

2. What is Richard's most precious memory of Clarissa?

3. What are Laura's rather bitter hopes about heaven?

4. What does Virginia see as a kind of devil?

5. What fears does Virginia have at this point in the novel?

6. What is Sally's reaction to Walter's present-buying?

7. What do the two women exchange as Laura prepares to return home?

8. Why does Laura delay joining her husband in bed as his birthday draws to an end?

9. In what way is Laura's ambivalence towards her husband evident in Chapter 19 of The Hours?

10. What is unusual about Louis' visit?

(see the answer keys)

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