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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. What is one thing that Fiona never does?

2. What are the twins' nicknames?

3. What is Drogheda known for?

4. What does Meggie give to Father Ralph to remember her by?

5. Which family member is not allowed to attend church?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is life like for Fiona at Drogheda?

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

9. How has Fiona changed after Frank leaves home?

10. What does Mary Carson's new will say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Father Ralph is an ambitious man. If he had known from the beginning that Dane was his son, would the story have changed? If so, in what way(s)? If not, why? Meggie did not want to humiliate Luke, but what other reasons might she have had for keeping the truth about Dane's paternity a secret? Do you think Meggie thought it might change things or perhaps figuratively back Father Ralph into a corner? Support your answers with details from the book.

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

Dane is Meggie's pride and joy. However, she cannot bring herself to attend his ordination. Why? What do you think of her decision? Does this put Meggie in the role of a "selfish" mother? Why or why not? How do some of her actions mirror what Fiona did when raising her family? Is her decision justified? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample