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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 finds out when Mother Clare is leaving Knockglen?

2. Where do Nan and Simon stay on their second night together?

3. What is ironic about Nan and Simon getting together?

4. Why does Mrs. Healy refuse to allow Fonsie and Clodagh to enter the hotel bar?

5. What is the outcome for Benny after all the tragedy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Benny get home to Knockglen after the news arrives that her father has died?

2. What is the resolution for Benny at the end of the novel?

3. What foils Nan's plans to tell Jack she is pregnant at Eve's cottage?

4. How does Sean manipulate an invitation to the Hogan's house for Christmas?

5. What is the meeting like at the cafe when Kit and Joseph are there?

6. What do Benny and Annabel learn about the lawyer?

7. What advice does Dr. Johnson give Annabel when Eddie dies and why does he give it?

8. Why are Eve and Benny not happy with Nan's seeing Simon?

9. What does Benny learn from Eve about where Jack and Nan went for their trysts.

10. What do Heather and Benny do when Benny finds her at the cottage?

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 Superficiality. Divide the essay into two main parts--first, discuss Nan and Simon who go on appearances and how that causes them both to make bad choices. Discuss how Nan's affectation of good breeding and elegant dressing could not alter the manipulative person she really was. Mention Simon's first impression that Nan was rich because of what he saw and how appearances in that case were all a lie.

In the second part, discuss making judgments on appearance using the towns people's reaction to Clodagh and Fonzie who are good-hearted but look different.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the value of Loyalty Among Friends. Divide the essay into three main points--the need for friends; the effects of disloyalty among friends; and what is gained by being loyal to a friend.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the Symbolism of the Cottage in Circle of Friends. (1) How does the cottage symbolize permanence for Eve? (2) How does it symbolize security for Heather? (3) How does the cottage symbolize betrayal? Go into detail with these three points by pointing to passages from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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