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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 color does Gerald have the front door at Kensington Park Gardens painted in order to impress the Prime Minister?

2. What does Toby want to teach Nick and Wani to play?

3. Whose new mobile phone does Gerald use?

4. Why can't Maurice have rich food?

5. Where has Wani been while he has been away from London?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Penny document in her diary?

2. What does Sally Tipper look like?

3. What is mistakenly believed about Market Hall in Barwick?

4. How is Lionel able to get in the house without alerting the press?

5. What does Nick fear most after reading the Edelman book?

6. What is Wobbly Thursday?

7. What is on the cover of the premiere issue of Ogee?

8. Why is Rachel so upset with Nick?

9. Why does Nick suggest that he has helped make the restaurant Gusto a success?

10. Who is Javier?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nick's last name "Guest" symbolizes his role as an outsider who is allowed to visit momentarily and precariously in the world of the more socially advanced. Using examples from the text, explain how Nick is considered a "guest" by other characters. How does his room's location in the Fedden household further symbolize his relationship to the family?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the double meaning of Henry James' quote about being able to tolerate "a great deal of gilt." How does this quote relate to Nick's life?

Essay Topic 3

Henry James is a key figure in the novel. James explores the theme of alienation and also of contrasting old wealth vs. vulgar nouveau riche. How has Hollinghurst also used these themes in the novel?

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This section contains 587 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample