Questions and Answers
What is Mark's main concern at the beginning of the book?
His fellowship at Bracton College
What does N.I.C.E. stand for?
National Institute of Coordinate Experiments
What is the draw for Bracton to sell Bragdon Wood to N.I.C.E.?
Become appealing to the community and bring jobs
What is in the center of Bragdon Wood?
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What is Jane suffering from at night?
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What did the man that Jane sees in the newspaper do to be imprisoned?
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What did Jane do to calm her nerves after her night of horrible dreams?
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Why do the Dimbles have to move?
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Why is Mr. Fumble suspicious of N.I.C.E. buying the Wood?
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How long have the Studdocks been married?
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What mythical character does Mr. Dimble refer to while speaking with Jane about Bragdon Wood?
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What does Mr. Dimble ask Jane to do before she tells anyone else about her dream?
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Who is wanting to recruit Mark?
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How come Jane and Mark have a bad marriage?
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Who does Jane go to tea with?
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What does Jane share with Mrs. Dimble?
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What does Jane have a vision about?
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Study Notes
Character Concerns
- Mark's primary concern revolves around his fellowship at Bracton College, highlighting academic pressures and personal anxieties.
- Jane is suffering from recurring nightmares, impacting her mental state and intertwining with her outlook on marriage.
Organizations and Institutions
- N.I.C.E. stands for the National Institute of Coordinate Experiments, a key entity in the narrative that seeks to gain control of Bragdon Wood for experimental purposes.
Community Dynamics
- Bracton's motivation to sell Bragdon Wood to N.I.C.E. includes the promise of community appeal and job creation, showcasing economic incentives over environmental concerns.
- Mr. Fumble's skepticism about N.I.C.E.'s purchase stems from the belief that Bragdon Wood is unsuitable for development, indicating a conflict of interest regarding land use.
Symbolic Locations and Myths
- Merlin's Well is located at the center of Bragdon Wood, suggesting a mystical element that contrasts with the book's rational themes.
- Mr. Dimble references King Arthur while discussing Bragdon Wood, infusing the narrative with a sense of mythological heritage and its potential implications.
Personal Relationships
- Jane's actions, such as shopping for a hat, reflect her coping mechanisms in response to her distressing dreams.
- The Dimbles, who play a supportive role, invite Jane for tea, showcasing camaraderie and the social support system available to her.
- Poor communication between Jane and Mark contributes significantly to the struggles within their marriage, emphasizing the theme of disconnection.
Plot Points and Events
- Jane learns about a man imprisoned for killing his wife with poison, resulting in a distressing reaction that connects to her dreams.
- Jane confides in Mrs. Dimble about her dreams and the associated toll on her marriage, indicating a search for understanding and support.
- Mr. Dimble urges Jane to gather information before revealing the content of her dreams to others, suggesting the importance of discretion and careful consideration.
Timeframe
- Mark and Jane have been married for six months, which establishes their relationship dynamics and sets the stage for ongoing conflicts in the narrative.
Visionary Experiences
- Jane has a troubling vision of a decapitated head, symbolizing her fears and the darker aspects of her subconscious reflecting broader themes within the story.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key themes and characters surrounding Bracton College. Explore the dynamics of academic pressures, community motivations, and the mystical elements of the narrative. This quiz delves into the implications of institutional interests and personal challenges faced by the characters.
