View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of Marianne's mother?

2. Marianne tells Connell that he takes what action frequently?

3. Which of Connell's friends tells Marianne in front of other people that she is flat-chested?

4. Marianne tells Connell that she would never take what action?

5. What type of drink does Marianne order at the fundraising dance, though she has never before drunk hard alcohol?

Short Essay Questions

1. What event occurs just prior to Marianne's decision to quit high school?

2. How does Alan react when Marianne refuses to speak to Connell on the phone?

3. What does Marianne say just before Connell kisses her for the first time?

4. How is the theme of self-deception demonstrated within the novel?

5. How does Lorraine react to the news that Connell is taking Rachel to the Debs?

6. How is Connell's mother Lorraine employed?

7. What comment of Marianne's does Connell repeat to himself and why?

8. What plan had Connell had in place for when he encountered Marianne again and what is its result?

9. Describe the relationship between Marianne and her brother Alan.

10. Characterize Marianne's view of high school.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Rooney’s use of metaphor, simile, imagery, and other literary devices as a means to send particular thematic messages within the narrative of Normal People.

Essay Topic 2

Write a critical essay about Normal People while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

What is the function of Jamie's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Rooney in depicting Jamie and include in your discussion the reasons that Rooney portrays Jamie in these particular ways.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,100 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample