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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 Martin have that allows him to leave the country?

2. How does Flynn motivate the Fenians before the anticipated attack by the police?

3. During the attack, what happens to Bellini?

4. While they are in the crawl space, what does Maureen take off of the IRA member whom she hit?

5. How many suitcases with explosives are there?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After Maureen is put in the car to be taken to a hospital, what do you think will happen to her next?

3. What does Hickey want to see happen to Maureen?

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

5. Why does Schroeder start screaming "No!" when he hears that the attack plans have been changed?

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

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

8. Describe the assault on the cathedral.

9. In the end, how does Burke become just like one of the politicians?

10. Why is Bellini not optimistic about the assault on the cathedral?

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

Write an expository essay giving an overview of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Include a historical basis for the conflict, key events in the struggle and how the conflict is demonstrated in the novel, Cathedral.

Essay Topic 3

In addition to simply telling a story, authors also try to create a mood that enhances the story. In an essay, using examples from the novel, describe the mood of Cathedral. What literary devices does he use to create this mood?

(see the answer keys)

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