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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. During the escape attempt in Book 4, Chapter 46, how does Maureen get Fitzgerald's machine gun?

2. What happens to Brian after he is carried out of the cathedral?

3. What really happens to Schroeder after he talks to Flynn?

4. Just before the attack by the police, what does Flynn give to Hickey?

5. During the police invasion, where is Megan firing from?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 45, it becomes clear to Burke that Flynn is trapped by the hostage situation. How is he trapped?

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

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

4. At the end of Book 4, Chapter 50, what is the likelihood of the situation coming to a peaceful end? Why?

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

6. Why is Bellini told to advance the attack to 5:15 a.m.?

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

8. Why hasn't Flynn responded to the government's offer?

9. Describe the relationship between Maureen and Brian after the attack by the police.

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

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

Throughout the reading of the novel, we have analyzed the development of the plot. In an essay, summarize the key events of the novel and what elements of plot they are. Include exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution.

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