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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 phrase comforts Kate when she thinks of Uncle Jack's pagan worship?

2. Why does Kate object to Gerry Evans going to Spain?

3. What does Gerry Evans say they need to check if the aerial is all right but the radio still won't work?

4. What household task does Maggie take from Agnes during Lughnasa?

5. Why does Michael leave the family home when he is old enough?

Short Essay Questions

1. What phrase did Kate hit upon that comforted her as she tried to understand Uncle Jack's changed attitude toward life since his stay in Ryanda?

2. When Uncle Jack hears wedding bells, he asks if it is one of his sisters who is getting married. Who is actually marrying?

3. How did Michael behave as his father, Gerry Evans, had done?

4. What does it tell you about Gerry Evans that he says he will check the ignition and sparking plugs of the radio?

5. How does Rose describe her encounter with Danny Bradley?

6. What has Rose forgotten when she comes home from her meeting with Danny Bradley?

7. What does Uncle Jack reveal about his ministry in Ryanga when Maggie asks if the people there gathered in his church for ceremonies?

8. What do you make of the kites as a symbol or metaphor, and of the fact that they wouldn't fly?

9. What does Uncle Jack reveal about his relationship to Okawa when he speaks about his time in Uganda?

10. How does Rose trick Agnes and get away from her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Uncle Jack has paid a heavy cost in both body and mind to serve the lepers in Ryanga. He has also learned different ways of looking at the world than he had when he left Ireland. Do you see his character as a failure? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What difference does the fate of the Sweeney boy, who was burned in the festival of Lughnasa, make to the story? Cite what was believed to have happened and what actually happened. Why do you think this detail is included in the play? Is the boy a metaphor? If so, what does he represent?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze what it means to you that young Michael's kites have faces that are cruel and grinning, and that they are not able to fly. Why do you think the playwright put this element into his play? What do these kites tell you about young Michael's feelings toward the women in his family? Toward life in general?

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