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A Severed Head
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"A Severed Head" Quiz

"A Severed Head" by Iris Murdoch is a darkly comedic exploration of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, centered around the protagonist Martin Lynch-Gibbon's tangled romantic entanglements.

fiction | 224 pages | Published in 2008

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Test your knowledge about the book "A Severed Head". We have come up with 11 quiz questions for the book. Hit play and start testing your knowledge. Each correctly answered question gives one point.

11 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 theme of infidelity manifest in the relationships portrayed in 'A Severed Head'?
  2. Discuss the significance of the title 'A Severed Head' in relation to the novel's exploration of identity and self-perception.
  3. Analyze the character development of Martin Lynch-Gibbon throughout the novel. How do his interactions with other characters influence his evolution?
  4. Examine the role of power dynamics in the relationships within 'A Severed Head'. How does power shift between characters?
  5. In what ways does 'A Severed Head' challenge or conform to the social norms of its time regarding marriage and relationships?
  6. Evaluate the use of irony in 'A Severed Head'. How does Murdoch employ irony to enhance the narrative or develop characters?
  7. Discuss the influence of psychological theories on the narrative structure and character interactions in 'A Severed Head'.
  8. How does Iris Murdoch utilize symbolism in 'A Severed Head' to convey deeper meanings and themes?
  9. Consider the role of secondary characters in the novel. How do they contribute to the main narrative and themes of 'A Severed Head'?
  10. Explore the theme of deception in 'A Severed Head'. How do the characters deceive themselves and each other, and what are the consequences?
  11. Analyze the setting of 'A Severed Head' and its impact on the mood and themes of the novel.
  12. What role does communication, or the lack thereof, play in the breakdown of relationships in 'A Severed Head'?
  13. How does 'A Severed Head' depict the complexity of human emotions and relationships?
  14. Discuss the interplay between freedom and responsibility in the decisions made by characters in 'A Severed Head'.
  15. How does 'A Severed Head' reflect Iris Murdoch's philosophical ideas, particularly in terms of morality and human behavior?