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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. The first time Billy had gone to dinner at Maeve's, she spills ______________ on the floor.

2. What song do others in the house begin to sing?

3. Who gives Billy directions?

4. Dennis tells his daughter that he ______________________.

5. What year does Billy go to Ireland?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Dennis' kids manage their father's grief after their mother dies?

2. What does Maeve share about the night that Billy died?

3. How did a friendship between Maeve and Dennis begin to form?

4. How does this chapter exemplify the differences between how families have changed between Dennis' generation and that of his children?

5. What happens when Maeve hears Dennis' voice in the house?

6. What does Dennis do on the day that Billy dies?

7. How does Dennis respond when his daughter asks him about his faith now?

8. What does the episode with the black minister remind Dennis of?

9. Explain the symbolism of the postcard Billy sent Maeve many years ago.

10. How does the theme of love extend in Chapter 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for the lives of four of the characters. Remember to exclude Billy but you may choose from Maeve, Eva, Dennis, Dennis' daughter, Sheila, etc.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Billy wanted desperately to bring Eva to America not only because he loved her but also because it would improve her quality of life. Describe the experience of Eva and her family in Ireland. Why would they have wanted to come to America? Was Billy's dream feasible at all? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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