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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. Why does the narrator try to distance himself/herself from his/her boss?

2. Why is the narrator's boss a significant character?

3. Why is it significant that Louise and the narrator go on vacation?

4. What does the narrator begin to find comfort in while living in the countryside?

5. Which of the following states does it seem that the narrator likes, becoming apparent after the narrator moves?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is selfishness a theme in the novel?

2. What role does the theme "temptation" play in the novel?

3. When the narrator leaves Louise, who do you think is happiest?

4. Why isn't the narrator interested in Gail sexually?

5. Did the narrator make the right choice in leaving Louise? Why or why not?

6. How does the narrator know that he or she made a mistake?

7. Why does the narrator decide to leave Louise?

8. What prompts Elgin to finally show emotion?

9. How does the narrator grieve in the countryside?

10. What is Gail's role in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you think that the narrator is male or female? What clues point to the narrator being of either gender? Use at least two quotes from the novel to back up your points.

Essay Topic 2

What is your favorite theme in the novel? Why? How is this theme represented? Sample themes include love with no boundaries, suspicion, and betrayal.

Essay Topic 3

What do the characters in the novel think about affairs? According to the narrator, what is the nature of an affair? According to the narrator, why would Louise enjoy an affair, but Jacqueline would not?

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