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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. When Yale travels to a particular state with Roman, it has been how long since Nico's memorial?

2. What particular method or incident had been involved in Ranko Novak's death?

3. Who calls Fiona and interrupts her attempt to attend Richard's art exhibition?

4. In 1986, Yale is continuing his sexual relationship with whom?

5. By 1986, Julian has moved in with which character?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Yale speaks to his father over the phone, the narrator reveals that Yale has not told his father about what subjects?

2. What information does Fiona find out about her granddaughter Nicolette during her meeting with Claire?

3. What simile is used to indicate how Julian feels about Roscoe?

4. What advice does Cecily give to Fiona about Fiona's meeting with Claire?

5. What biological family member do Fiona and Cecily share in common?

6. Describe the setting of Fiona's meeting with Claire.

7. What techniques does Makkai use in order to portray Yale's mood as he returns home from a business trip?

8. In what way does the narrator describe Fiona's feelings during the birth of Claire?

9. What is Fiona's main concern about people finding out that she has slept with Jake?

10. What major news does Yale receive from Teresa, Charlie's mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How does the motif of dreams appear within The Great Believers and how does its treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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