3. What kind of work does Caroline’s husband, Neville, do? [RL.11-12.1.

1]

• He works for the British Council, promoting cultural exchange between Britain and Italy.

4. How does Caroline react to the portrait of Niccolo di Ferramano? [RL.11-12.1.1]

A. She is indifferent.
B. She is frightened.
C. She is fascinated.
D. She is puzzled.
E. She is amused.

5. What does Caroline find at the top of the tower? [RL.11-12.1.2]

• The stairs themselves stop before the top, but a door there leads to a ledge on the outside
of the building.

6. What does Caroline encounter on her way back down the tower? [RL.11-12.1.2]

A. a ghost
B. a strange man
C. a spider
D. rats
E. a flock of bats

Theme and Characterization

Theme
A theme is the unifying subject or idea of a work of literature which pervades the entire text and
helps to distinguish its voice and message.

1. What is the central theme of the story? [RL.11-12.2.1]

• The central theme of the story is women being controlled by the men in their lives.

2. How is this theme developed throughout the story? [RL.11-12.2.2]

• The theme is most clearly developed through the relationship between Caroline and
Neville. Neville is probably older than Caroline and he treats her patronizingly, more like

Level N - Core | 52