The End of the Affair Summary Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What does Maurice Bendrix claim the story primarily records?

  • A record of hate (correct)
  • A journey of love
  • A record of betrayal
  • A record of friendship

How does Henry Miles feel about seeing Bendrix?

  • Angry and resentful
  • Excited and enthusiastic (correct)
  • Cold and distant
  • Indifferent and bored

What does Bendrix hope to learn about Sarah's condition?

  • That she is planning a trip
  • That she is unhappy and sick (correct)
  • That she is in good health
  • That she is reading his book

Why does Bendrix initially invite Henry to lunch in 1939?

<p>To gather material for his novel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What item does Henry show Bendrix that suggests his suspicion of Sarah?

<p>A letter with a detective's address (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bendrix's interaction with Sarah change throughout the story?

<p>He intentionally provokes her through teasing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bendrix do when he sees Henry standing in the rain?

<p>Greets him despite his dislike (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Bendrix's perception of his past friendship with Sarah?

<p>He sees it as a source of conflict (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry imply by asking Bendrix to his house?

<p>He desires a more intimate setting to talk (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Henry's reaction to Bendrix's inquiry about Sarah's health?

<p>He acknowledges concerns without certainty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant information does Mr. Parkis uncover regarding Sarah's beliefs?

<p>Sarah promised to God and began to believe in Him. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action does Bendrix take after reading Sarah's diary?

<p>He begins to believe in God. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sarah refuse to run away with Bendrix?

<p>She is committed to her newfound faith. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers Bendrix's anger towards God?

<p>God's interference in his love life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which historical event does the end of Bendrix and Sarah's affair occur?

<p>An air raid in June 1944. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bendrix discover about Sarah after her death?

<p>She had been baptized as a child. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bendrix's view of God change throughout the story?

<p>He accepts God's existence due to personal suffering. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Father Crompton play in the story?

<p>He reveals Sarah's interest in Catholicism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sarah hope Richard Smythe can do for her?

<p>Convince her to abandon her faith. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary period does The End of the Affair belong to?

<p>Late Modernism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Bendrix give for the end of his affair with Sarah?

<p>Their love simply reached its conclusion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr.Savage suggest about jealousy in relation to love?

<p>Jealousy is a sign of true love. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bendrix's emotional state change after reading the love letter from Sarah?

<p>He spirals into jealousy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During their lunch, what does Sarah express concern about regarding Henry?

<p>Henry’s health and his loneliness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event coincides with the ending of Bendrix and Sarah's affair?

<p>The first night of the V1 bombings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bendrix initially react to Mr.Parkis’ report about Sarah's activities?

<p>He feels an overwhelming sense of jealousy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mr.Parkis worried after following Bendrix and Sarah during lunch?

<p>He is embarrassed by not recognizing Bendrix. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What realization does Bendrix have when Sarah mentions the squeaky stair?

<p>It suggests Sarah has been unfaithful before. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gesture does Sarah propose to Bendrix regarding their communication?

<p>That she should call him instead of him calling her. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shocking discovery does Bendrix make regarding Sarah's love letter?

<p>The recipient of her love is unclear. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event leads to the end of Bendrix and Sarah's affair?

<p>Bendrix being knocked unconscious during an air raid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sarah promise God in exchange for Bendrix's life?

<p>To never see Bendrix again (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Bendrix's reaction after finding out Sarah still loves him?

<p>He confronts Sarah aggressively (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Sarah's decision to run away from Bendrix affect her health?

<p>It exacerbates her cold and leads to her death (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After Sarah's death, how does Bendrix's view on God change?

<p>He begins to believe in God but with resentment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action does Bendrix take after learning about Sarah’s journal?

<p>He plans to confront his feelings directly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character does Bendrix move in with after Sarah's death?

<p>Henry (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bendrix petition to God regarding his faith?

<p>To leave him alone for ever (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drives Bendrix to hire a private detective?

<p>His jealousy towards Sarah (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme is suggested by Bendrix's complicated relationship with God?

<p>The complexity of religious faith and pain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bendrix's Motivation

Bendrix's primary interest in Henry's life is rooted in his own unhappiness and a desire for a reduction in his personal suffering.

Bendrix and Henry's History

Bendrix and Henry have a past, including a previous meeting in 1939, where both connected with Sarah.

Bendrix's Novel

Bendrix encountered Henry Miles during the research and writing of his novel.

Henry's Concern

Henry expresses concern about Sarah's well-being, and implies suspicions regarding her fidelity.

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Sarah's Reaction

Sarah's strong reaction to Bendrix's novel revealed her loyalty to Henry.

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Private Detective

Henry displays apprehension regarding Sarah's possible infidelity by seeking a detective.

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Bendrix's Presence

Bendrix's presence and interactions with Henry underscore his significant role in the narrative.

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Purpose of Meeting

Henry invites Bendrix to discuss matters concerning Sarah with some degree of privacy.

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Bendrix's perspective

Bendrix views this narrative as an account of conflict centered around suspicion and hate more than love.

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Rain's Significance

The rainy night setting establishes a mood of melancholy and enhances the dramatic tension

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Bendrix and Sarah's affair

A romantic relationship between Bendrix and Sarah outside of their committed relationships.

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Mr. Savage's role

Mr. Savage hires a private investigator to track Sarah's whereabouts.

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Sarah's concern for Henry

Sarah expresses worry about Henry feeling lonely and neglected.

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Bendrix's jealousy

Bendrix's suspicion and possessiveness about Sarah's possible romantic interest in someone else.

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Mr. Parkis's mistake

Mr. Parkis, the investigator, mistakenly follows and reports on Bendrix and Sarah.

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Sarah's affairs

Sarah engages in extramarital affairs mostly for fulfillment and satisfaction.

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The affair's end

Bendrix and Sarah's affair ended during the night of the London V1 bombings.

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Henry's reaction

Henry, upon learning about Bendrix and Sarah's affair, is furious and discards the evidence.

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Reason for the affair's end

Bendrix believes his affair with Sarah ended because their love simply faded.

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Bendrix's distraction

Bendrix's attention is diverted from his own issues and towards Mr.Parkis's dilemma.

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Sarah Miles's vow to God

Sarah's promise to God, which caused a spiritual struggle and impacted her relationship with Bendrix.

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Bendrix's discovery of diary

Bendrix finds Sarah's diary revealing her beliefs and motivations for leaving him.

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Sarah's illness

Sarah's significant condition, leading to her attempt to avoid Bendrix and a tragic end.

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Richard Smythe

The man Sarah visited in the country, an antagonist in the relationship.

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Bendrix's atheism

Bendrix's non-belief in God, a contrast with Sarah's faith.

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Sarah's secret baptism

Sarah's hidden baptism as a child, challenging the narrative of her atheism.

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Blitz

Series of German air raids and attacks in London during the war, affecting the story.

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V-1 and V-2 rockets

German guided missiles used during WW2, causing significant civilian casualties and damage.

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Sarah's letter

A crucial letter revealing Sarah's reason for not running away, confirming her commitment.

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Bendrix's Accident

An air raid injury leaves Bendrix trapped under a door, leading Sarah to make a deal with God.

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Sarah's Deal with God

Sarah promises to end her affair with Bendrix if he survives the air raid.

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Sarah's Departure

Immediately after Bendrix's recovery, Sarah leaves him, fulfilling her promise to God.

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Bendrix's Investigation

Driven by jealousy, Bendrix hires a detective to follow Sarah and uncover her secrets.

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Sarah's Journal Revelation

The detective finds Sarah's diary, revealing her continuous love for Bendrix.

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Bendrix's Promise to Sarah

Elated by the journal, Bendrix calls Sarah and promises to retrieve her.

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Sarah's Death

Despite Bendrix's intentions, Sarah dies after contracting a cold worsened by the rain.

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Bendrix's Belief in God

Initially an atheist, Bendrix starts believing in God due to events surrounding Sarah.

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Bendrix's Hatred towards God

Despite accepting God's existence, Bendrix blames Him for his suffering and the loss of Sarah.

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Study Notes

Summary of The End of the Affair

  • Protagonist/Narrator: Maurice Bendrix, a writer, recounts a relationship marked by hate and love.
  • Initial Encounter: Bendrix meets Henry Miles, a friend of Sarah, in the rain, initiating a series of interactions driven by jealousy and mistrust.
  • Past Relationship: Bendrix and Sarah had a passionate affair, but it ended in 1944 due to a bombing incident during which Bendrix was injured.
  • Jealousy and Investigation: Bendrix, consumed by jealousy, hires a detective to track Sarah, seeking evidence of her infidelity.
  • Sarah's Confessions: The detective unearths Sarah's diary revealing a promise to God after Bendrix's near-death experience. She hoped to return to Bendrix but feared violating her oath for her marriage.
  • Sarah's Illness and Death: Sarah becomes ill and dies, unable to break her vow and reunite with Bendrix.
  • Religious Struggle: Bendrix grapples with burgeoning faith after Sarah's death, concluding with his disillusionment and despair.
  • Acceptance of Faith versus Love: The novel explores the complexities and pain of religious belief while confronting the devastating loss of love and the enduring power of jealousy.

Historical Context

  • World War II: Bendrix and Sarah’s love story unfolds against the backdrop of the London Blitz and later V-1 and V-2 rocket attacks.
  • London Bombings: A crucial event in 1944 causes Bendrix to be severely injured, leading to Sarah making a promise to God and ending their relationship.
  • Historical Parallels: The novel examines themes of love, loss, and faith against the backdrop of a tumultuous war period.

Supporting Characters

  • Henry Miles: Sarah's husband, who is initially unaware of the affair.
  • Sarah Miles: The subject of Bendrix’s profound devotion, loyalty, jealousy, and spiritual transformation.
  • Mr. Savage: The private detective hired by Bendrix.
  • Mr. Parkins: Mr. Savage's informant and eventually the one who gave Bendrix Sarah's diary.

Key Themes

  • Love and Hatred: The novel explores the intense complexities and pain behind romantic love and jealousy.
  • Jealousy: Bendrix's jealousy is a central driving force in the narrative.
  • Religious Belief: The story illustrates how a character's understanding of and position within belief systems can evolve.
  • Adultery: Throughout the novel, the concept and effect are explored in regards to relationships.
  • Loss: Bendrix's pain stems from the ultimate inability to be with Sarah due to vows and the ultimate death of Sarah.

Additional Details

  • Publication Date: 1951

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Test your knowledge of 'The End of the Affair' by Graham Greene. This quiz will cover key themes, character motivations, and plot developments in the story of Maurice Bendrix and Sarah. Dive into the complexities of love, jealousy, and faith portrayed in this poignant narrative.

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