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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. Why is Stuart able to leave school?

2. What does Fiona's father give Paddy?

3. What does the oldest son want to do?

4. Which character says that Frank is no better than the one who fathered him?

5. Which of the following are two of the Cleary boys?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Meggie's doll special?

2. How does life change for Fiona and Meggie when they move into the main house?

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

4. What are the land and climate like?

5. What physically happens to Meggie that initially frightens her?

6. Describe what happens to Hal during one of the dry winters in Chapter 6.

7. What is life like for Fiona at Drogheda?

8. Why is the romance between Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph ill-fated?

9. Describe Father Ralph's relationship with the Cleary family after Mary's death and the unveiling of her will.

10. What is significant about Mary Carson's 72nd birthday party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What motivates the following characters?

1) Fiona.

2) Paddy.

3) Mary Carson.

4) Meggie.

Essay Topic 2

Frank was obviously Fiona's favorite child as her first-born son. Describe in detail the ups and downs of Frank and Fiona's relationship from the beginning of the story. Why doesn't Fiona tell Frank from the beginning about Paddy and his father? Do you think it would have made a difference in the way Frank responded to Paddy throughout the years?

Essay Topic 3

Fiona and Paddy have an arranged marriage. Fiona's father, aghast at her pregnancy, pays Paddy to marry Fiona and move her away from the family. Can an arranged marriage ever be successful? Do you consider Fiona and Paddy's marriage a success? Please be specific and provide details from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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