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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. Flannery writes that her very old family members creak like _____________________.

2. What is the title of this section?

3. On the last day of ___________ Flannery writes to Janet McKane to tell her that she is ill.

4. Louise is ill and visits the doctor for the first time at the age of ____________.

5. During her adult life, Flannery found respite in fresh air and _________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Flannery's humble work mirrors her simple lifestyle.

2. How does Flannery describe a teaching assignment to Cecil?

3. How does Flannery integrate formal and regional writing in her letters?

4. What does Flannery write regarding faith and skepticism to Alfred Corn?

5. To which person does Flannery write both the first and last letters in this section?

6. How is Flannery's health as the year 1963 comes to a close?

7. What is unusual about Flannery's friend, Louise's, visit to a doctor for the flu?

8. What fear about her book does Flannery share in a letter in this section?

9. What is the title of this Part and why is it significant?

10. What information does Flannery share about the god, Thor, in one of her letters to John Hawkes?

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

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the editor mean by "The Habit of Being?" Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting text for each one.

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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This section contains 906 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample