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

Short Answer Questions

1. Fiona suddenly has the idea that she can have sex with Jake in order to accomplish what feat?

2. Fiona tells Jake that the photograph showing her in the hospital with a man is a photo of whom?

3. To what state does Yale travel the final time he visits Nora?

4. What object does Arnaud provide to Fiona so that Fiona may connect with Claire?

5. What term does Damian use in his phone conversation with Fiona that "she used to find charming" (162)?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the narrator describe Fiona's feelings during the birth of Claire?

2. What "double good news" (231) does Arnaud reveal to Fiona at Richard's house in Paris?

3. What biological family member do Fiona and Cecily share in common?

4. What conclusion does Yale draw about the bad news he hears from Teresa?

5. What is Fiona's main concern about people finding out that she has slept with Jake?

6. What information does Fiona tell Jake about the friendship between Julian and Nico?

7. Who is waiting for Yale when he returns home from a business trip and who is also home, but does not reveal himself?

8. What subject is Fiona talking about when she unknowingly injures herself?

9. What major news does Yale receive from Teresa, Charlie's mother?

10. What information does Fiona find out about her granddaughter Nicolette during her meeting with Claire?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of The Great Believers and one of the novel's main messages. How does Makkai make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help to get across one main message of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Focus especially on elements prevalent within the text, such as the unfolding of the AIDS crisis, the pursuit of monogamy, and the effects of homophobia on the American family.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about The Great Believers while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample