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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 is Olive's nationality?

2. Who is Sandy's roommate?

3. Sandy is a recent graduate of _________________ school.

4. How old is Mary when she decides to return home from being estranged from her family?

5. Jane's husband has an invalid wife living in which U.S. state?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Pat thwart Stuart's plans for them to participate in an orgy?

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

3. How is Olive's true character in contrast to the gracious person she pretends to be?

4. What does Mona learn about her own mother's view of her death from cancer that is similar to her own?

5. Describe Vera's childhood and how she prepares to leave her situation.

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

7. What is the premise of "Victoria"?

8. Why has Jane requested a reunion with her friends, Helen and Margaret?

9. What is the premise of "Pimlico"?

10. What are Eve's philosophies for helping women get ahead and when does she know to move on to the next opportunity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Does Binchy end any of her stories on a note of hope for her characters or are they fated to struggle to come to terms with their lives and flawed relationships? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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