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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 does Brian find in the ruins?

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

3. How does MacCumail announce that he is in control of the cathedral?

4. In Book 2, Chapter 12, where does Burke go to obtain information?

5. Who is Captain Bert Schroeder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are MacCumail's demands?

2. In Book 3, why does Burke think there is a British conspiracy as well as an Irish one?

3. Describe Megan's disposition.

4. What does Burke find in the architect's apartment?

5. At the beginning of Book 4, Chapter 21, what happens when Maureen tries to escape?

6. Who are the Fenians and who is their leader?

7. Explain how the situation at the cathedral is political.

8. What does the slogan "once in, never out" refer to?

9. What happens when Sheila is brought in for questioning?

10. Schroeder and Spiegal are at odds with each other. Explain each of their positions.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, write a literary critique of The Cathedral. Include the following:

· What is the author's purpose in writing the story?

· What is the author's underlying belief about the topic?

· Do you agree with the author's conclusions?

· Does the writing follow a conventional plot diagram?

· Is the conflict made clear?

· Do you agree with the author's resolution of the conflict?

· Is there enough evidence throughout the novel to support the events that take place?

Essay Topic 2

Using what you have learned about characterization, write a character analysis of one of the main characters. Include the following: a description, actions, relationship to other characters, motives, strengths and weaknesses.

Essay Topic 3

In the novel Cathedral, there are strong lead male and female characters. Write an essay that analyzes the role gender plays in the character development of the novel. What character traits are assigned to male characters vs. female characters? Does the author assign traditional gender roles to his characters or does he mix them up? Use examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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