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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. Trying to hide her resentment of having to come home each night from university, how does Annabell interpret Benny's responses?

2. As Benny and Eve leave the hotel, who is watching them from Hogan's, across the street?

3. Who was Bunty Brown that Mother Francis tells Kit about?

4. How does Nan see the boys from the university?

5. Why is Annabel happy knowing where Benny is that morning?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jack learn what happened in the accident?

2. How is Eve's character established early on in the novel?

3. How is Jack entertained in Knockglen?

4. Explain why Benny is an only child.

5. How does Nan react when Eve tells her all about Westward?

6. How does Benny reprimand her father for sending Sean to bring her home?

7. How does Eve accept Benny's explanation for why she cannot stay overnight with Eve?

8. What does Benny learn about how Eve has lived all these years that Benny has pitied her?

9. How does Eve eventually find out about the extent of her injuries?

10. How does Benny show her innocence when Jack invites her to a Dutch party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Dysfunctional Families. (1) The Mahon family is the most dysfunctional because of Brian's alcoholism. Explain in detail why that is, speculating whether Nan would have been the same had her family life been better. (2) Even good families have times of dysfunction as in the case with Dr. Foley's family with his wife's insecurity. (3) The Westward family's dysfunction has literally destroyed the family unit. Your essay should discuss in detail the dysfunctions of each of these families and point out the results of those problems.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Irony in Circle of Friends. (1) Begin with a discussion about what makes a situation ironic. (2) Use Nan as an illustration of the one who always knows what to do or say to put people at ease being the character who does the most damage to the friends. (3) Mention the irony of Dr. Foley, who works to save lives, being the one who takes Frank's life. (4) Explain the irony of both Nan and Simon thinking the other one is rich. (5) Note the irony of Mrs. Healy marrying Sean.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Dealing With Death in Circle of Friends. First, describe how Kit needs Mother Francis' help to deal with the death of her son, Frank; and next, describe how Benny and Annabel deal with Eddie's death by depending on each other. Conclude with the part good friendships play during times of tragedy.

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