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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. Where are Maureen and Baxter watching the parade from?

2. What is Bellini in charge of?

3. What does Maureen try to tell Burke when he brings in food?

4. Once the cathedral is taken by the Fenians, why can't Burke enter?

5. Where does Burke meet Martin to try and get information about an upcoming attack?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What is Maureen doing at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel?

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

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

5. What does Flynn think Martin's ulterior motive is?

6. What are MacCumail's demands?

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

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

9. When Burke brings the food requested by the terrorists, what does Maureen do?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Brian Flynn can be described as a dynamic character because his actions change throughout the novel. One reason is because of the relationship between Brian and Maureen. In an essay, write a character analysis that analyzes the impact Maureen has had on Brian's actions. Citing specific examples from the text, what has Brian done because of his feelings for Maureen that he might not have done if they didn't have a relationship?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that outlines the theme of terrorism as it relates to the novel, Cathedral. Include the cause of the terrorist attacks, why the Fenians became terrorists, and whether or not terrorism was an effective way to reach their goals. In your essay, analyze whether or not terrorism works and strategies to curb future terrorist attacks.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel Cathedral, Brian Flynn goes through various changes that affect how the reader feels about him. In an essay, analyze how Flynn is a dynamic character. At the beginning of the novel, do you see him as a "good guy" or a "bad guy"? How does that change throughout the novel? Use examples from the text to support your thesis.

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