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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. At what sort of location does Claire work?

2. Whom does Fiona blame for Nico's death?

3. What is Fiona's granddaughter's name?

4. Richard suggests that Fiona track down which of her family members while she is in Paris?

5. Roman admits to Yale that he had maintained a long affair with which other character?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is ironic about Charlie's relationship with Julian?

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

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

5. Who is waiting for Yale when he returns home from a business trip and who is also home, but does not reveal himself?

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

7. Explain Fiona's acquisition of Nico's friends as her own friends.

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

9. Describe the symbolism of Roscoe.

10. Who brings Fiona's daughter Claire to her for the first time and how does Fiona react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Makkai’s focus on the theme of community within the novel The Great Believers. What message is Makkai sending about the importance of community, particularly for members of marginalized communities?

Essay Topic 2

Write a critical essay about The Great Believers while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of The Great Believers and analyze Makkai’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 887 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample