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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. Dennis knows that his mother always felt _____________ as a child.

2. How did Sheila get to work each day?

3. Where do Dennis and his daughter pick up Billy when he returns from Ireland?

4. What was Billy known for giving to people?

5. What relation is Dennis Lynch to the person whose funeral has just been held?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the irony of Billy's stopping to see Dennis when he returns from Ireland.

2. What do Billy's relatives recall about him at the bar?

3. Why does Dennis want to protect Billy's dream of Eva from his mother, Sheila?

4. What was Billy's habit of writing notes to people?

5. What is revealed about Maeve's history and character in Chapter 6?

6. How do Dennis and Billy meet the two sisters from Ireland?

7. How does Dennis' daughter meet Matt?

8. What is the irony of Billy's alcoholism?

9. How did Billy meet Maeve?

10. Who is the Irish girl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain what you think Billy meant when he inscribed the post card to Maeve with "Beautiful Friend." What this as much tenderness as he could muster for his wife of so many years? Or did Billy have the gift of Irish romanticism in his soul? Which do you prefer to believe? Why?

Essay Topic 2

The role of the family--especially an Irish family--is an important element in this story. Cite three examples noting the role of the family in general. Then cite three examples that showcase characteristics of an Irish family in America.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the setting for the novel. Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the writer choose this setting?

(see the answer keys)

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