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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. How many friends is Marianne said to have?

2. What subject is taught by the teacher who flirts with Connell?

3. In the summer of 2011, Marianne's routine includes taking what action when she awakens?

4. How many people know who Connell's biological father is?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Connell's mother Lorraine employed?

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

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

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

6. What advice does Marianne give Connell about college?

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

8. Characterize Marianne's view of high school.

9. How does Lorraine react to the news that Connell is taking Rachel to the Debs?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Rooney’s novel Normal People. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Rooney’s messages about guilt and responsibility within Normal People. Focus especially on events such as the pain Connell causes Marianne when he asks Rachel to the Debs.

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within Normal People and what is Rooney’s message regarding these themes?

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