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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. Lorraine wants to know from Connell what "all of this" what "is about" (53) between Connell and Marianne?

2. What comment of Marianne's does Connell keep repeating over and over in his head?

3. Connell takes Marianne to see what location after he is sure no one is around?

4. At what age did Connell's mother get pregnant with Connell?

5. Connell's grandmother tells him that she has heard that he is going to attend a college in what location?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Miss Neary?

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

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

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

5. What are the conditions under which Connell tells Marianne that he loves her?

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

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

8. How is Connell's mother Lorraine employed?

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

10. What event brings Lorraine and Connell to the hospital in April of 2011?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about Normal People while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

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 Connell’s character throughout the novel Normal People. Discuss whether Connell is a round or flat character and whether Connell is a static or dynamic character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 942 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample