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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 old is Connell's grandmother whom he visits in the hospital?

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

3. For what transgression does Marianne draw the wrath of Mr. Kerrigan?

4. What is NOT a widely-held belief about Connell at school?

5. As a child, Marianne reacted in what way to her mother's influence?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Who is Miss Neary?

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

7. What advice does Marianne give Connell about college?

8. To what action of Rob's does Connell object and why?

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

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

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 the instances of irony within the narrative of Normal People and analyze Rooney’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the novel Normal People from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

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