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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 does Dangerfield rent a room?

2. Where does Dangerfield tell Miss Frost that he is going?

3. Which word best describes Mary?

4. What does Dangerfield do at the party to create havoc?

5. For what reason does Dangerfield ask Marion for money?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Dangerfield's new plan to move to London and does he ask Miss Frost to go with him?

2. Describe the dire straits in which Tony Malarkey is living.

3. Why does Mary's bath symbolize her new life?

4. Why is Dangerfield so devastated by the terms of his father's will?

5. Why has Mary's true personality emerged since meeting Dangerfield?

6. Why is Miss Frost so conflicted by having sex with Dangerfield?

7. Why is religion an important theme in the novel?

8. Why does Dangerfield believe that his father's death is the end to all of Dangerfield's problems?

9. Contrast the worlds of Mary and Dangerfield.

10. How do Dangerfield and Lilly differ in their views about consequences?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Does Donleavy end the novel on a note of hope for Dangerfield or the continuance of his struggle to come to terms with his flawed relationship with Mary? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

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