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 does Heron claim Lord Byron to be?

2. Who does Stephen suspect is also in the audience the night of the play?

3. What is the name of the character Stephen is fixated on?

4. What does Stephen do immediately after the play?

5. What are Stephen's father and the priests always urging him to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the conflict in Stephen as he leaves the director's office.

2. How does Father Arnall explain the purpose of the retreat?

3. Discuss briefly Stephen's longing for a loving embrace.

4. What is Stephen's impression of Clongowes Wood College?

5. Explain Stephen's feelings about his sinful nature.

6. Mention something about the antagonism Stephen forms toward his mother.

7. What happens on Sundays in Blackrock?

8. Explain the effort Stephen puts in to remain pious.

9. Describe Stephen's first encounter with the girl on the tram.

10. Classify Stephen as a university student.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the value of imagination. It was Stephen's imagination in his early years, coupled with his love of language, that ultimately set his path toward becoming a writer. Discuss how youthful imagination leads others toward different goals.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the imagery of myths and fables. Start with the myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Explain how Icarus' fatal flight can be used to illustrate a person's reaching for a dream. Include in the essay the image of a father giving advice to his son and the rebelliousness of the son. In this novel, that imagery applies more to Stephen and his mother.

Essay Topic 3

Write a review of A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN. Discuss style, language, interest, ease of reading and understanding, and plot development. Whether you give the novel a positive or negative rating, state your reasons.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 893 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample