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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. Which of the following statements does not describe Irene Lapham's appearance?

2. Why does Bromfield Corey think rich girls would offer his son a greater chance at a quiet life than poor girls?

3. How old is Silas Lapham in Chapter One?

4. What kind of gambling does Silas Lapham tell his wife he has been doing in Chapter Ten?

5. Which member of the Corey family is ill when they first meet the Laphams?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Lapham's childhood and family background, and how does this background shape his values?

2. Why does Silas Lapham decide to build a new house?

3. When Tom Corey comes to their new home's construction site, why do the Laphams leave him alone with Irene?

4. Why does Bartley Hubbard interview Silas Lapham, and what differing views of success do Hubbard and Lapham have?

5. What arguments does Anna Corey give her husband for opposing their son's marriage to Silas Lapham's daughter?

6. Why are the Laphams considered deficient in social graces?

7. How does Silas Lapham feel about having Tom Corey work for him, and how does he feel about Tom's work?

8. What business proposals does Tom Corey suggest to Silas Lapham?

9. What information is revealed about Zerrilla Dewey in Chapter Eight and what does Walker the bookkeeper seem to imply about her relationship with Silas Lapham?

10. What happens in Chapter Ten when Milton Rogers asks Silas Lapham for a loan, and how does Persis Lapham feel about the situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of self sacrifice in The Rise of Silas Lapham. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Paint is a recurring symbol throughout The Rise of Silas Lapham. What do you think Silas Lapham's paint represents? How does Bromfield Corey's paint differ from Silas Lapham's paint? What do you think Corey's paint represents? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Silas Lapham is the protagonist of the story, and Rogers is the antagonist of the story. Compare and contrast the characters of Lapham and Rogers. In what ways is Rogers a foil character for Lapham? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

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