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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. Which of the following characters are Meggie's children?

2. What does Father Ralph make Fiona promise him?

3. How many brothers and sisters does Fiona have?

4. What happens to Paddy when he goes to check on his sheep in the middle of a big storm?

5. How much older is Mary than Ralph?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mary Carson find it more advantageous to remain a widow and not remarry?

2. What is life like for Fiona at Drogheda?

3. Why do Meggie and Stuart stop attending school?

4. In Chapter 2, there are two specific ways in which Meggie seems to experience discrimination. What are those two ways?

5. What is Father Ralph's dilemma regarding Mary Carson's second will?

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

7. What causes disagreements between Frank and Paddy?

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

9. Describe the head stockman's house and Drogheda in general?

10. How has Father Ralph's life changed since Mary Carson died?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who do you think is the most tragic character in the book? Why would you pick this particular character? Give examples from the book that highlight what makes this character particularly tragic.

Essay Topic 2

There are several dissatisfied characters in this book who cannot seem to find contentment. On the other end of the spectrum, are there any characters that are content with their lives? Who are these characters? Describe their situations and their reactions to the events that unfold around them.

Essay Topic 3

Meggie's children, Justine and Dane, are close growing up, but they have entirely different personalities. What does Justine's personality say about the relationship between Meggie and Justine's father? What does Dane's personality say about the relationship between Meggie and Dane's father? What is the symbolism of Dane being the perfect child and Justine being not so perfect?

(see the answer keys)

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