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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. How does Hickey tell Flynn to get back inside after the press conference?

2. Who does Spiegel set up to be the hero?

3. Where is Roberta Spiegel setting up a press conference after the attack is over?

4. After the escape attempt in Chapter 36, when is the doctor sent in?

5. Who will Martin deliver to Burke if the assault is launched?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the attack plan Schroeder tells to Flynn.

2. At the end of Book 4, Chapter 40, what new information does Jack Ferguson give Burke?

3. Why do Hickey and Megan go into the crawlspace after Maureen when she tries to escape?

4. Why does Schroeder leave the press conference?

5. What story does the Mayor tell during the press conference?

6. During Maureen's escape attempt into the crawlspace, Hickey goes by the old rules of the IRA. What rule is this, and how does he follow it?

7. Describe the preparations the Fenians do with the lights just before the attack by the police.

8. Describe the assault on the cathedral.

9. In Book 5, why doesn't the bomb go off as planned?

10. Describe the pressure the Mayor uses to get everyone to go forward with the attack.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After demanding to give a press conference, Flynn turns over the task of given the conference to Hickey. In an essay, analyze and evaluate this decision made by Flynn. Why didn't Flynn give the press conference? Do you think Hickey made the situation better or worse? In your essay, cite examples from the text to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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