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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. On what day was Flannery O'Connor born?

2. With what disease is Flannery diagnosed?

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

4. What is the name of Flannery's first novel?

5. Which of the following is NOT a person mentioned as a recipient of Flannery's correspondence in this section?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. The writings will show Flannery's growth in what areas of her life?

4. When and where was Flannery born and where did she live as a child?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Flannery's Catholic beliefs are very important to her as evidenced in her letters. Why do you think Flannery is especially devout? Why do you think Flannery is willing to really dig into her religion and explore other Catholic writers and what they are saying? Does Flannery's illness play a part in her beliefs? Can she be considered a zealot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Ancestry and Celtic heritage take on an almost human persona in the letters. What is the foundation of Flannery's placing such an emphasis on heritage? Is this a typical Southern trait? Or is this a writer's quirk? Or is this simply Flannery's appreciation of the people who had come before her? Explain your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

Flannery O'Connor had a delicious sense of humor and used it liberally. Note two examples of humor which appeal to you in her letters and state why you find them especially humorous.

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