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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 argument Yale and Julian get into over a dental item actually has to do with what larger subject?

2. Claire starts coming to the furniture store to help Fiona at what age?

3. Whose grave does Richard suggest Fiona look for while she is in Paris?

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

5. Julian complains that which character is suffocating him with attention?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Dan?

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

5. What information does Fiona tell Jake about the friendship between Julian and Nico?

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

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

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

9. Describe the symbolism of Roscoe.

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

What message does Makkai send within the pages of The Great Believers concerning the definition of family?

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This section contains 801 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample