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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 was the boy's father when he was left in charge of the family?

2. What novel is the first book the boy has ever read?

3. The famous shoot-out in 1922 was between which two groups of people?

4. What key theme of the novel is introduced in Chapter 1?

5. Why is the boys' mother upset when they return from their boat ride across the river?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the motif of fire used in Chapter 3?

2. Why is Una's death seen as an outlet for the boy's mother?

3. Describe the events surrounding the distillery and what happens to it.

4. What memory does the boy have of an interaction between him and Crazy Joe?

5. Describe Grianan.

6. How is the theme of disappearance used in Chapter 1?

7. Why is the boy narrator fond of Aunt Katie?

8. What strong religious beliefs of his community does the boy share in the beginning of Chapter 1?

9. Why doesn't the author ever reveal the narrator's first name?

10. Who is Tony and what happened to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of secrets within the text. What kind of impact does secret-keeping have on the characters of the novel? How does it affect the plot as it progresses? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Good vs. evil is an important theme in the novel. Show how three characters made the wrong decision in regards to Eddie's death and explain what they should have done differently.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, the boy's mother deals repeatedly with depression as her role in Eddie's death is progressively revealed.

1. How is she involved in the mystery surrounding Eddie's disappearance?

2. How is her relationship with Tony McIlhenny a factor in her involvement?

3. Do you think she should feel guilty?

Support your answers with evidence from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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