View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the priest react to Stephen's confession?

2. What do the sermons do for Stephen?

3. How does Stephen see his acts of devotion to God?

4. As he goes outside, what serves to increase his piety?

5. What does Stephen discover when he returns home from the director's office?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Write an essay on decision making. The symbolism of Stephen's pacing back and forth between the chapel and Byron's pub is his crossroads decision to return to the church and become a priest or give in to his desire to become an artist. In your essay discuss both the rational and emotional elements involved in decision making process.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on your opinion regarding corporal punishment in schools. Use the examples of the pandybat and the flogging of the runaways from the novel. Explain how effective you think corporal punishment is or is not. Give your opinion as to whether it should be banned in schools.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 344 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample