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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is one thing that Fiona never does?
(a) Supports her children in their schooling.
(b) Attends church on Sunday mornings.
(c) Converts to Catholicism.
(d) Questions Paddy's authority.

2. What does Father Ralph owe his success to?
(a) The Cleary family's move to Drogheda.
(b) The Archbishop and their life-long friendship.
(c) The "new" will and the death of Mary Carson.
(d) The generosity of the townspeople.

3. What does Fiona's father give Paddy?
(a) A new car.
(b) Money to buy a farm.
(c) A herd of sheep.
(d) A share in the family farm.

4. What does Father Ralph tell Meggie when he returns for the funerals?
(a) That he loves her but can never act on that love.
(b) That Paddy is not Frank's father.
(c) That Mary Carson was jealous of her.
(d) That Mary Carson was attracted to him.

5. How does Mary Carson view Ralph de Bricassart?
(a) As a husband.
(b) As a brother.
(c) She is attracted to him.
(d) As a son.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Fiona neglect to tell Meggie?

2. Where does Ralph find Meggie at the end of Mary's birthday party?

3. What is the socio-economic level of Fiona's family?

4. The "Thorn Birds" spans three generations of what family?

5. What location is the primary setting of this love story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the negative aspects for Meggie of living a clannish existence on their farm?

2. How does Father Ralph act more like a private citizen than a representative of the church?

3. What causes disagreements between Frank and Paddy?

4. Why do the Clearys decide to move to Drogheda?

5. What happens to Meggie's friendship with Teresa Annunzio?

6. What happens between Frank and Paddy when they are at the Gillanbone Show and Picnic Races?

7. What makes Meggie's doll special?

8. What does Paddy tell Father Ralph about his past with Fiona?

9. Describe Mary Carson's relationship with her brother, Paddy.

10. What does Fiona find while packing and how does it affect her?

(see the answer keys)

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