View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At what type of class does Fiona meet the man with whom she begins an affair?

2. Cecily reveals that Kurt had stolen how many dollars from her?

3. At what type of event does Yale confront Roman?

4. The sight of what object alerts Fiona to the fact that she has located Richard's studio?

5. Fiona fixates on photographs of whom while she is in Paris?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What "double good news" (231) does Arnaud reveal to Fiona at Richard's house in Paris?

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

4. How does Fiona injure her hand during her conversation with Jake?

5. What conclusion does Yale draw about the bad news he hears from Teresa?

6. Dr. Cheng makes what distinction between secrecy and shame in his conversation with Yale?

7. At what age had Claire started to help Fiona in the furniture store and what tasks had she performed?

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

9. What subject is Fiona talking about when she unknowingly injures herself?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Could The Great Believers be classified as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Focus especially on elements prevalent within the text, such as the unfolding of the AIDS crisis, the pursuit of monogamy, and the effects of homophobia on the American family.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze The Great Believers from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 848 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample