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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. When the hostages try to escape in Chapter 36, who is hit by a bullet?

2. In preparation for the attack by the police, why do the Fenians light every candle they can find?

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

4. When Flynn offers to let Maureen go in Book 4, Chapter 50, what does she do?

5. Where is Maureen taken at the end of the book?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the arrangements Spiegel sets up for after the police attack?

3. Describe the attack plan Schroeder tells to Flynn.

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

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

6. What is Operation Phoenix?

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

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

9. How would you describe the relationship between Schroeder and Burke? Why?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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