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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. Who was Carey's trainer in the races?

2. How old was Claudia Kirkby at the time that Penelope died?

3. Who assisted Penelope's suicide?

4. What did the company produce where Matthew worked when his mother died?

5. Who is the photograph of in "The Photo"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Carey ultimately begin training as a jockey?

2. Why does Clay blame himself for Carey's death?

3. How does Clay learn about Carey's death? What does he do?

4. What is the framing device that is used in the novel?

5. Why did Clay begin disappearing after Penelope's death? What did Matthew do about it?

6. What does the clothing peg carried by Clay represent?

7. Why is Henry beaten up when he arrives home after Clay's return in Part 5?

8. What is the symbolic significance of the mattress at The Surrounds?

9. What does Michael give Clay to take to Carey in Part 6?

10. How did the Dunbar boys feel about playing piano? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of creative expression in Bridge of Clay. How is this theme developed through Michael Dunbar? How is the theme related to Penelope Dunbar? What statement is the author making regarding creative expression in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the symbolism of the pets in the Dunbar home. What are the pets' names? Why is this significant? Who cares for the pets? What do these pets each represent?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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