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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. What does Benny do as she and Jack Foley walk through Knockglen?

2. Why does Benny diet before her date with Jack Foley?

3. Who does Eve meet at Westlands she had known nothing about?

4. Who does Benny's father send Patsy to bring to the house?

5. Why does Eve say Benny should have a bag in one hand and a drink in the other?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain why Benny is an only child.

3. What happens that makes Benny feel like a little traitor?

4. What is Nan's comment when Benny cannot stay for Frank's funeral and has to take the bus back home?

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

6. Why are Benny and Eve in the Healy Hotel and what are they doing?

7. Describe the meeting of Jack, Benny, and Nan at the hospital.

8. What bothers Benny at the party and dance when she wears the dress Clodagh made for her?

9. What does Benny do before what she thinks is a date with Jack?

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

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 The Influence of Younger Generations. First, deal with the character of Clodagh and how she impacts Peggy Pine's business which, in turn, changes business in other establishments. Next, deal with her impact on Benny whose life is changed by wearing Clodagh's low cut gown. Finally, show how Clodagh and Fonzie begin to break down prejudices by wearing Clodagh's fashions. Conclude with an observation about how towns tend to dry up when all the young generation leaves.

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 Empathy. Mother Francis is the most empathetic character in the novel. Discuss in your essay the different ways she deals with Eve, Kit, and Heather. Conclude with an evaluation of empathizing with people's particular problems.

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