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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 do the Fenians do in case they burn down the cathedral?

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

3. Who does Spiegal think will agree to the terrorists' demands?

4. How does Jack describe the leader of the Fenians to Burke?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Maureen want to escape?

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

4. What are MacCumail's demands?

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

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

7. 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?

8. What are the Fenians' plans for the cathedral?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, there are many times where a character has to make the decision to fight or run away. In an essay, cite examples of this fight or flight reflex in the novel. In each instance, evaluate whether or not the character did the appropriate thing. How might the story be different if the character did the opposite? Do you agree or disagree with the character's actions?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The time of conflict in Northern Ireland is referred to as "The Troubles." In an essay, analyze why it is called "The Troubles." Be sure to include the historical context, the role of religion, and the peace process.

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