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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 does Hadley hear about Ernest and Pauline as she is traveling?

2. Why did Pauline not marry the man to whom she was engaged?

3. What is Ernest's reaction to Hadley's confronting him?

4. What are two adjectives describing Pauline?

5. Why does Ernest decide to work extra hard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Cayetano Ordonez and what does he do that involves Hadley after a bull fight?

2. Why did Hadley set sail for the United States with Bumby?

3. What did Ernest tell Hadley when he called about writing his memoir?

4. What surprises Hadley about Ernest's new book and what is his explanation about it?

5. What job did Ezra get Ernest and how did Ernest feel about the editor-in-chief?

6. What does Ernest write Hadley from Madrid, and why does Ernest hate to be alone?

7. What happens when Hadley goes to visit Kitty at Kitty's apartment?

8. How does Hadley feel about Pauline visiting them in Austria?

9. What evidence of success did Ernest have?

10. What deal did Hadley offer Ernest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes The Paris Wife interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ernest. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Hadley. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Pauline. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Florence was a feminist before it was fashionable and was obsessed with women's rights. It was no wonder that Hadley suffered from lack of self-esteem - her mother favored Fonnie, her sister who was a few years old than she, and paid little attention to Hadley. Hadley reeled from the death of another older sister, Dorthea, with whom she had her closest familial relationship. On her death bed, her mother inflicted a final measure of unworthiness upon Hadley. She told her that she contacted Dorthea in a séance. Dorthea evidently saw into the Hadley's future, and it was so horrid that she refused to tell Florence what she saw.

1. Explain how you think Florence being a feminist affected Hadley and Hadley's own views on life. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss why the death of a sister to whom Hadley was close affected her and how you think it did. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

3. In what ways do you think Hadley's low opinion of herself due to her mother affected Hadley's marriage with Ernest Hemingway? Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know." Sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Paula McLain.

2. What in McLain's background may have helped him in writing The Paris Wife? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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