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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. What color is Flannery's house?

2. What kind of animal does Flannery want to be run over?

3. Why does this person write an introduction for the book?

4. Flannery compares her work to which psychiatrist?

5. In what city does Flannery visit with Mr. and Mrs. Rumsey Haynes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What important note about Flannery does the editor include at the beginning of this section?

2. How does the reader know that the person known as "A" is an important one in Flannery's life?

3. What angst does Flannery experience regarding a new editor and the reimbursement of an advance?

4. What is the purpose of the Editorial Note?

5. In the same letter to Cecil Dawkins, how does Flannery distinguish between the beliefs of Southerners and Liberals?

6. What does Flannery mention about Celtic names in Georgia?

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

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

9. What event occurs to validate Flannery's Celtic roots?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Several of Flannery's stories are classic stories of the search for love. What does that classification entail? Why would this powerful drive seem to elude Flannery in her own life? Was this by design? Or was Flannery simply unlucky in her pursuit of love and romance in her life?

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This section contains 852 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample