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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. Who would help Maeve get her father to bed when he was drunk?

2. What does Dennis do after everyone is notified of Billy's death?

3. What does Maeve do in the early days of her courtship with Billy in order to get to see him?

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

5. What is an important theme in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Maeve recall doing to insure that she would see Billy more than once?

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

4. What happens when Dennis makes a service call to a black church?

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

6. How does Dennis' faith in Billy's dream extend past practicality?

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

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

9. What does Dan share about Billy and Maeve's relationship the night of the funeral?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the irony of Dennis' decision to tell Billy that Eva had died. What was Dennis intention? What was the short term result? What was the long term result? How did Dennis contribute to Benny's death? Explain.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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