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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 makes the goods that Sophie sells?

2. Where does Frankie invite the narrator to go for drinks?

3. What has been a problem in Margaret's marriage?

4. What does Margaret tell her husband will happen if he stays with her?

5. What does Margaret always make sure to have with her when she shoplifts?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Rita, the latest temp hired by the newspaper.

2. How is the narrator mistakenly identified as a lesbian?

3. What does Marigold tell Pat about their previous roommate, Nadia?

4. What advice does May receive from her Australian roommate at the clinic?

5. Describe the evening when Frankie and the narrator visit the BBC Club for drinks.

6. What is the premise of "Marble Arch"?

7. What facts does Pat eventually learn about Marigold's manipulations and feigned illness?

8. What does Lisa do when she realizes that her lover had intended to meet some other woman this weekend?

9. What is the source of Julia's angst in "Tottenham Court Road"?

10. What is the premise of "Queensway"?

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. Cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What is the overall setting for the stories? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Binchy choose to use these places in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Maeve Binchy is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

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This section contains 1,018 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample