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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 happens to the pistol used to kill the British soldiers?

2. What does Bellini do with the Morse code message from the confessional?

3. In Book 3, why do the mass attendees exit the cathedral?

4. Who helps Brian and Maureen hide after the attempt to free Sheila?

5. After Flynn and the Cardinal talk about secret passages, where do Father Murphy and Maureen go?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Brian get his codename?

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

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

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

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

8. What are the additional demands Flynn gives to Schroeder in Book 4?

9. Describe Megan's disposition.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In an essay, analyze what affect point of view has on the novel. Using examples from the text, from what point of view is Cathedral told? How would the novel change if it were told from the point of view of each of the following characters:

• Brian Flynn

• Maureen Malone

• Patrick Burke

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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