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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. What adjective has Lorraine always used to describe Alan's personality?

2. When Marianne emerges from the house with dessert, Jamie berates her for not bringing out which item?

3. Connell reflects upon the fact that even when his conversations with Helen are what, "he still feels better after talking to her" (159)?

4. For what reason is Connell unable to afford rent in Dublin during the summer of 2012?

5. Who tells Connell that Marianne is in a relationship with a new man after her split from Connell?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Connell come to rely on Marianne in college?

2. When Connell finds that he will not be able to pay rent over the summer in his Dublin flat, what is his back-up plan?

3. What simile does Rooney use to describe Connell's feelings about writing and why?

4. How are the issues of privilege and class differences depicted within Peggy's experiences?

5. What does it mean to Marianne when she wins the full scholarship to graduate school, according to Connell?

6. What are Connell's impressions of Alan and from whence do these impressions emerge?

7. Who is Helen?

8. Describe Helen's impressions of Marianne.

9. By April of 2012, Connell and Marianne have fallen into a certain routine. What is it?

10. How does Connell react to the split between him and Marianne and how does Marianne handle it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

How is the topic of communication treated within Normal People and how does its treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

(see the answer keys)

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