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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 happens to the boy when the police come to search the house?

2. Why does the boy's father hit him in Chapter 3?

3. According to the local belief his father told the boy, who gathers at the Field of the Disappeared at Christmas and other festivals?

4. What is distinct about Larry McLaughlin's character?

5. On what day do the Francis and Frances' parents die?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is the novel The Shan Van Vocht an example of female symbolism?

4. Why does the boy try to run away in Chapter 3?

5. How is the boy's father's life seen as very difficult and sad?

6. What does the boy's grandfather tell him right before he dies?

7. The theme of disappearance is further discussed in Chapter 2. Explain.

8. Describe Crazy Joe.

9. Why is the boy uncomfortable with the sympathy he feels for the police after Rory Hannaway's death?

10. Describe the boy's relationship with his mother.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Who do you think is ultimately responsible for Eddie's death?

1. Is it the hand that pulls the trigger or the hand that orchestrates it to happen?

2. Are multiple people to blame?

3. Is one person more guilty than another?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of silence in the novel.

1.) How and why does Larry McLaughlin stop talking? How does it affect the family secret?

2.) How and why does Brigid stop talking? What does this reflect on Larry's own silence?

3.) How and why does the boy's mother stop talking? How does this affect her inner turmoil?

(see the answer keys)

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