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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. Which of Connell's friends tells Marianne in front of other people that she is flat-chested?

2. What is Lorraine's reaction when Connell tells her that he is taking Rachel to the Debs?

3. How many friends is Marianne said to have?

4. For how many hours does Marianne sleep after Connell tells her that he is taking Rachel to the Debs?

5. What is the name of the teacher who flirts with Connell?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What comment of Marianne's does Connell repeat to himself and why?

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

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

5. When the reader joins Connell in the fall of his first year of college, to what changes has he had to adapt?

6. How is Connell's mother Lorraine employed?

7. What had Connell's sexual experiences been like prior to meeting Marianne?

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

9. What are the physical differences between Lorraine and Connell?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Could Normal People be classified as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

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

What is the function of Jamie's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Rooney in depicting Jamie and include in your discussion the reasons that Rooney portrays Jamie in these particular ways.

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