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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. What was Penelope's maiden name?

2. What river runs past the town of Silver?

3. Who was responsible for the stolen letter-box in "The Arsemover and the Minotaur"?

4. On what street did Michael grow up in Featherton?

5. Which of his brothers does Matthew describe as "the invincible one: The human ball and chain" in "Barbarians" (25)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who/what is Moon and what does it represent?

2. What is the significance of the calendar that Michael got as a child?

3. What essential information is related in the prologue of the novel?

4. How did Michael and Penelope meet? What were their first impressions of each other?

5. How is the mood developed in Part 1? What mood is evoked?

6. How did Michael propose to Penelope? How did she respond?

7. What inner conflicts does Clay face regarding returning home after he has spent time at his father's home?

8. What is the symbolic significance of the "ol' TW" in the novel (149)?

9. Where is Michael's home and the bridge site located? How is this setting described?

10. How and why did Penelope's father arrange for her to flee as a refugee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the literary and mythological allusions in Bridge of Clay. What classical works are frequently referred to? What is their significance? How do these works connect to the overall themes of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Identify and discuss three examples of irony in Bridge of Clay. What is an example of verbal irony related through character dialogue? How does situational irony apply in the story? What is an example of dramatic irony and to what purpose is it used?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolism of the typewriter in Bridge of Clay. Who originally owned the typewriter? Where is it found by Matthew? What does it mean to the Dunbar family?

(see the answer keys)

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