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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. Rooney uses a simile involving what object to describe Marianne's posture after Connell's post-kiss departure?

2. What type of drink does Marianne order at the fundraising dance, though she has never before drunk hard alcohol?

3. What emotion does Connell feel when Lorraine suggests that he is from a different class than Marianne is?

4. What is Connell's last name?

5. What is the only place Marianne has ever lived?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Marianne say just before Connell kisses her for the first time?

2. What is the significance of Connell's interpretation of the story circulated about Marianne?

3. How is Connell's mother Lorraine employed?

4. How does Alan react when Marianne refuses to speak to Connell on the phone?

5. Describe the relationship between Marianne and her brother Alan.

6. What event occurs just prior to Marianne's decision to quit high school?

7. What plan had Connell had in place for when he encountered Marianne again and what is its result?

8. How is the theme of self-deception demonstrated within the novel?

9. What story is continually told about Marianne during her high school years?

10. What is one theme present within the epigraph of Normal People?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Provide a thorough analysis of the denouement of Rooney's novel Normal People.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Rooney’s use of metaphor, simile, imagery, and other literary devices as a means to send particular thematic messages within the narrative of Normal People.

Essay Topic 3

Trace the characterization arc of Marianne’s character throughout the novel Normal People. Discuss whether Marianne is a round or flat character and whether Marianne is a static or dynamic character.

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