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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. The person considering a house purchase in 1985 plans to live there with what other person?

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

3. The two people who fund the authentication of Nora's works are related in what way?

4. What is the name of the person who disapproves of Nora's inclusion of donations within her estate?

5. In 1985, who drives to Wisconsin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is everyone at the party so alarmed after they see Terrence, Nico's former boyfriend?

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

3. What is the most encouraging aspect of Nora's art collection, from Yale's point of view?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What is ironic about the location at which Yale meets Charlie?

10. In what location is the wake celebrating Nico's death held?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Fiona’s character throughout the novel The Great Believers. Discuss whether Fiona is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character as you compose your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Look carefully at the passages of The Great Believers that describe the close relationship between Nico and his sister Fiona. What is Makkai’s purpose for discussing at length the nature of Fiona’s closeness to her brother Nico prior to his death?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about The Great Believers while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 892 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample