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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 does the boy think happened to Eddie in the secret passage of Grianan?

2. Upon what does the Anglican army chaplain say communism is based?

3. What happens to the boy's father right before he retires?

4. Why does the boy not tell his mother everything he knows about Eddie's death?

5. From whom does the boy's mother warn him to stay away in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sergeant Burke say he beat up Frank and why does he apologize for it?

2. Why does Katie's family refuse to attend Meave's wedding?

3. How does the boy conclude that it was his mother who tipped off McIlhenny?

4. What does Crazy Joe know about the mystery surrounding Eddie's death?

5. Why doesn't the boy reveal to his parents what he knows of Eddie's death?

6. What information does the boy's mother find out after Sergeant Burke dies that makes her angry?

7. What does the boy believe about his loyalties to his parents as he sets off to college?

8. Describe the relationship between Tony, Katie, and the boy's mother.

9. What causes the boy to realize his mother doesn't care what he reveals to anyone?

10. Why does the boy narrator find it important to his relationship with his mother that he keep her secret?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which characters in the novel would be considered guides for the boy narrator? What do they teach him? Are they positive or negative mentors?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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