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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. Why is it bad for Eddie's death to be ruled a suicide?

2. Where was the fatal gunshot on Eddie's body?

3. What is the name of the publication which had been Army Distributing's major account?

4. In what city does Dismas live?

5. Who is Dismas' friend?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dismas surmise about Linda Polk's feelings about her father's new marriage?

2. How do the people who cared for Eddie Cochran seem to be managing during the time after his funeral?

3. Why does Father Cavanaugh think he is responsible for Eddie's death?

4. What does Dismas speculate about Sam's wife, Nika's, possible interest in Eddie Cochran?

5. What is the irony of Dismas seeming to come to life again while investigating Eddie's death?

6. What is the nature of Father Cavanaugh's relationship with Eddie Cochran's mother, Erin?

7. What business problems does Frannie tell Dismas that Eddie was experiencing?

8. What does Moses ask Dismas to do about Eddie's death and what does he offer him in return?

9. Why is Father Cavanaugh's quasi-confession to Dismas so important?

10. Why does Frannie think that her pregnancy may have been a factor if Eddie did indeed commit suicide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of the family in DEAD IRISH. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family of most Irish families living during the late-20th century in America?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Father Cavanaugh. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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