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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. Whose letter did Clay read first in "War of the Roses"?

2. How was Michael Dunbar's dog killed?

3. In what month did Penelope arrive in Australia?

4. What was Penelope's "self-proclaimed nickname" (59)?

5. What was Penelope's maiden name?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the relationship between Penelope and Michael begin?

2. How do Clay's brothers help him train?

3. How is Clay greeted upon returning to the Dunbar home in Part 4?

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

5. What is the significance of The Quarryman?

6. Where did Michael and Abbey go after high school? Why?

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

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

9. Discuss the structure of the novel. How is the story related?

10. How did Penelope react upon learning of Abbey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Outline and discuss the narrative plot structure of Bridge of Clay. What is the inciting incident in the story? Where does the climax occur? How would you compare the plot structure of this novel to the classical works that are alluded to in the work?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Matthew Dunbar. How old is Michael in the prologue and epilogue of the novel? What are his relationships like with his brothers? How does he feel about his parents? How does Matthew's character evolve in the course of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Identify and discuss three examples of foreshadowing or red herrings in Bridge of Clay. What is the clue and what is foreshadowed? Does this example serve to create tension? Does it serve to develop humor?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 670 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample