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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 spelling of whose name is questioned in this section?

2. What is the name of the house where Flannery lives?

3. How much is the advance Flannery may need to repay if she leaves Harcourt Brace?

4. From what country has William Sessions sent Flannery a gift?

5. Flannery's critics say that she _________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is revealed about Flannery's lifestyle in this section?

2. Who writes the introduction for the book and what does she find so intriguing about the letters?

3. What practical advice does Flannery give to Cecil about rejection slips and taking cough medicine?

4. Why does Flannery say that Catharine Carver's decision to leave Harcourt Brace impacts her life?

5. What is the range of criticism and praise for Flannery's work when she releases WISE BLOOD?

6. Where did Flannery go after graduating college in 1945?

7. In addition to the Fitzgeralds, Flannery and William Sessions have another friend in common--how does this friend make Flannery feel?

8. What is the purpose of the Editorial Note?

9. Who are some of the people to whom Flannery writes during this section?

10. In what slang style does Flannery sometimes slip into in her letters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Flannery O'Connor is famous for her use of grotesque characters in her fiction. From what you know about O'Connor from reading her letters, what would make her create such hideous creatures? What was her motive for bringing the unsavory to life? Did she get a perverse pleasure out of shocking people? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Flannery O'Connor was no stranger to disappointment and rejection. From what you know of O'Connor's life and personality through these letters, what were her biggest letdowns? How did she manage through them? How did her coping skills evidence themselves in many aspects of her life? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Select three people to whom Flannery wrote letters and write a brief character sketch for each. Be sure to include emotional states, physical characteristics, and their connections to Flannery.

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This section contains 846 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample