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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 is the unnamed narrator's husband?

2. How long has Pat been in London?

3. For whose children does Rita care?

4. What affliction does Pat's aunt have?

5. Who has some idea that Margaret is shoplifting?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Lewis drawn in, and ultimately used, by Jill?

2. What is the premise of "Holborn"?

3. Why does Julia decide to resort to visiting the pornography store?

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

5. How does Frankie alienate the narrator's husband one evening when she drops in on them?

6. What is the topic of "Shepherd's Bush" and what does the story signal for the following stories?

7. How does Margaret convince Harry that he has made the right decision to stay with her and their son?

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

9. What is the narrator's concern after being identified as a lesbian at the party?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in her stories. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in Ireland and England in the 1970s as Binchy portrays them. What precedents were they forced to follow? What role does poverty play in their lives? How does religion rule over their choices? How do they tend to view relationships with men?

Essay Topic 3

Create a character study of Sophie in "Marble Arch." What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Sophie?

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This section contains 988 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample