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

2. Which of the following does Flannery have to manage in her life?

3. From what part of the country does Flannery come?

4. What is distinctive about Flannery's illness?

5. Where did Flannery attend a school for writers after college graduation?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What information about writing fundamentals does Flannery share in the first letters in this section?

3. What is the nature of the illness from which Flannery suffers?

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

5. What topics seem to run consistently through Flannery's letters?

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

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

8. How old was Flannery when her father died and where did the family live?

9. What points are mentioned about loneliness in the writing lifestyle?

10. What do Flannery's letters always seem to be a blend of?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting and time period for the letters. What was America like during this time period? What was O'Connor's South like during this time period? How important are the time period and setting to the attitudes and issues of Flannery and her friends and business colleagues?

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

O'Connor uses some instances of flashbacks in the letters in the form of memories and past experiences. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two instances from the letters making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

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This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample