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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. In Chapter 4, what are there are a lot of in December?

2. What is the area right beside the river called in Ireland?

3. Why does Furlong go to the convent in Chapter 4?

4. What does Mrs. Kehoe like to say about feeding the men?

5. Where does Eileen say she will do the Christmas shopping?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Furlong say Eileen does too much?

2. How does Furlong treat his workers?

3. Where does this story take place?

4. What kind of weather is Ireland known for?

5. What is Furlong's business like?

6. Why does Furlong often feel grateful?

7. What does Furlong ask Eileen for as a Christmas gift?

8. What is the predominant religion in Ireland?

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

10. What tradition do the five Furlong daughters do every Christmas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Furlong's own upbringing affect his actions and outlook as an adult? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay explaining Keegan's tone and use of language throughout this novella.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Keegan chooses to end the novel with Furlong taking Sarah home with him, but without exploring any of his family's or the town's reactions? 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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