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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. Where has a new airport just opened up?

2. What is Mrs. Wilson's income from?

3. Who is listed as his father on Furlong's birth certificate?

4. About how old is Furlong?

5. What dream does Eileen tell Furlong she has had recently?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Furlong say Eileen does too much?

2. What is unusual about December in New Ross?

3. Why does Furlong often feel grateful?

4. What is one reason Furlong never finds out for sure who his father is?

5. In Part II, what kind of existential worry does Furlong have?

6. What kind of reputation does the laundry at the convent have?

7. Where did Furlong grow up?

8. Why was Furlong sometimes treated badly as a child?

9. What are some rumors about the laundry at the convent?

10. What does Furlong get for Christmas one year as a child that disappoints him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the legend about the Barrow River, and why do you think Keegan includes it at the point in the story that she does? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does Keegan establish and maintain suspense throughout this novella? Write a journal entry explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How does Furlong's life change after the first time he meets Sarah Redmond in the convent's freezing shed? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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