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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. Who visited the Hemingways for Christmas?

2. Where does Ernest's job send him?

3. What does Ernest ask Hadley about Rome?

4. Who is Harrison Williams?

5. Why does Ernest rent an office?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens on the train when Hadley is traveling to join Ernest?

2. In what condition does Ernest return to Paris and does the couple settle their differences?

3. Why is the Hemingway's visit with Gertrude Stein unusual, and what does Stein recommend to Ernest?

4. Describe the Hemingway's visit to the Pound's home.

5. What does Ernest do in Turkey?

6. How did Hadley and Ernest adjust to Paris life?

7. Who is Hadley's father and what did he do?

8. What did Hadley learn about Ernest when she met him the next morning in the kitchen?

9. What does Ernest believe about Hadley's pregnancy in connection with the lost manuscripts?

10. How does Ernest start to break into the Paris literary scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Hadley and Pauline. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ernest and Ezra. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Paris Wife help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Paris Wife and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Paris Wife is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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