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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 illness does Jane's husband have?

2. Adam comes from a ______________ family.

3. What is Mary's nationality?

4. Stuart and Pat's life centers primarily on ___________________.

5. How many tenants does Olive have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Eve's focus with the work she does for individual women?

2. What is the premise of "Brixton"?

3. Who is Mary and what preoccupies her thoughts as the Christmas holiday approaches?

4. How does Adam behave immaturely during the trip to introduce Heather to his mother and sister?

5. What is the premise of "Seven Sisters"?

6. How does this story differ from many of the other stories which address inter-generational conflict?

7. Why does Rose want to take her father to Paris?

8. Explain the reason for the trouble between Mary and her parents and what her life is like without them.

9. Why is Vera's married life just as dysfunctional as her childhood had been?

10. What is the premise of "Pimlico"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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.

(see the answer keys)

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