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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 food does MacCumail want sent in?

2. Because of the message from the confessional, Spiegal tells Bellini to do what?

3. Who does Spiegal think can save the hostages and the cathedral?

4. What does Martin say about Flynn's threat to blow up the cathedral?

5. Who catches Father Murphy and the Cardinal in the confessional?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Burke want Martin excluded from the negotiations?

2. After the attempt to free Sheila, how do Brian and Maureen find a safe place to hide?

3. Who is Jack Ferguson and what does he tell Burke?

4. Who helps Brian and Maureen at the abbey, and what does Brian find out about him later?

5. What happens at the ravine with the murder of the two British soldiers?

6. Why does Maureen want to escape?

7. Describe Megan's disposition.

8. What is being foreshadowed when Martin says "I wonder about that" in response to Burke saying they won't have to shoot their way in?

9. In the hotel, how does Maureen know that Flynn is in the area?

10. What is the signal to begin the attack on the cathedral by the Fenians?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the reading of the novel, we have analyzed the development of the plot. In an essay, summarize the key events of the novel and what elements of plot they are. Include exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution.

Essay Topic 2

A theme in Cathedral is that of being a revolutionary. How is this theme embedded in the novel? Explain which characters are revolutionaries and what cause they are fighting for. How do you think the author feels about the cause they are fighting for? In your essay, include whether or not you think it is a worthwhile cause.

Essay Topic 3

The setting significantly affects the plot of a novel. In an essay, analyze the role of setting including a description of the setting of Cathedral, how the setting can change the novel, and examples of how the novel would be different if the setting were to change.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 713 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample