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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. For whose children does Rita care?

2. Who is the mother of Jeffery's sons?

3. The wife of the married man is pregnant with their _____________ child.

4. Malcolm and Melissa invite the unnamed narrator to ___________________.

5. Lisa has been the mistress of a married man for _________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Frankie determined to win over her new boss' wife?

2. What is the irony of the narrator's attempt to convince Frankie's boss's wife that Frankie is a good employee?

3. How does Pat's naivete show in her discussion and agreements with Joy and Marigold?

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

5. What is the source of Lisa's anxiety regarding her affair?

6. What shocking information does Sophie learn from some customers?

7. Why is May especially skittish about having the abortion?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Nan in "Warren Street." What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Nan?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

In several of the stories, the element of family reproach or disapproval over the choice of a lover or mate is prevalent. Why is this a recurring theme in Binchy's stories? Was this a typical mindset for the time period? Or is family judgmentalism an ever-present element in life in general?

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