A Lost Lady
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"A Lost Lady" Quiz

By Willa Cather

fiction | 97 pages | Published in 2021

A Lost Lady Willa Cather - A Lost Lady tells the story of Marian Forrester and her husband, Captain Daniel Forrester who live in the Western town of Sweet Water, along the Transcontinental Railroad. The novel is written in the third person, but is mostly written from the perspective of Niel Herbert, a young man who grows up in Sweet Water and witnesses the decline of Mrs. Forrester as well as the West itself.

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Test your knowledge about the book "A Lost Lady". We have come up with 19 quiz questions for the book. Hit play and start testing your knowledge. Each correctly answered question gives one point.

19 questions available

Essay questions

These essay questions are meant to be used as a starting point for your essay or research paper.

  1. How does the character of Marian Forrester embody the concept of a 'lost lady' in the novel?
  2. Discuss the role of the West and its changing landscape in 'A Lost Lady.' How does it reflect the themes of the novel?
  3. Examine the relationships between the male characters and Marian Forrester. How do their interactions shape her character and influence the overall narrative?
  4. Analyze the symbolism of the Forrester's house and its transformation. What does it represent in terms of Marian's character and the realities of life in the West?
  5. Discuss the theme of lost innocence in 'A Lost Lady,' exploring how it is portrayed through Marian Forrester and other characters.
  6. In what ways does 'A Lost Lady' explore the tensions between tradition and progress, particularly in relation to the changing American society of the early 20th century?
  7. Analyze the character of Captain Forrester and his relationship with Marian. How does his presence contribute to the overall narrative and themes of the novel?
  8. Discuss 'A Lost Lady' as a critique of the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth. What commentary does the novel offer on these concepts?
  9. Explore the significance of the railroad in the novel and its impact on the characters and their lives. How does it symbolize progress and change?
  10. What role does nostalgia play in 'A Lost Lady'? How does it shape the characters' perceptions of the past and their hopes for the future?