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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. For what reason had Nico's parents cut him off in his young adulthood?

2. In what year does the narrative of the The Great Believers begin its story?

3. Whom does Terrence ask to serve as his power of attorney?

4. Who is Yale's new intern?

5. Who is the other person within Fiona's dream?

Short Essay Questions

1. Yale's boss Bill keeps stopping by to report what details?

2. What is the significance of the film Breakfast at Tiffany's for Yale?

3. Who serves as Terrence's power of attorney near the end of his life?

4. In what way had Fiona spend her twentieth birthday and how had it contrasted with her twenty-first birthday?

5. What step must first be taken before art can be donated?

6. In what ways does Fiona forcibly direct her parents in regard to Nico's illness and death?

7. What is the source of Yale's fear of being tricked?

8. Characterize the relationship between Nico and his parents prior to his death.

9. What is the symbolism of Nico's orange scarf?

10. With what aspect of Arnaud's investigation is Fiona frustrated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of Nico's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Makkai in depicting Nico and include in your discussion the reasons that Makkai portrays Nico and his loved ones’ reactions to Nico’s death in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Makkai’s messages about guilt and responsibility within the novel The Great Believers.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of The Great Believers and one of the novel's main messages. How does Makkai make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help to get across one main message of the novel?

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This section contains 906 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample