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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. How much older is Mary than Ralph?

2. Why is Meggie hurt at Mary's party?

3. How does Mary Carson view Ralph de Bricassart?

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

5. What does Mary Carson do before the event that she plans?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens to Stuart during the search for Paddy?

3. Since Fiona never converted to Catholicism, what aspects of a Catholic life are missing in the household?

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

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

6. What causes disagreements between Frank and Paddy?

7. Why do Meggie and Stuart stop attending school?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Are there any relationships that appear similar in this story? If so, what are the specific relationships and describe the situation and outcomes. These relationships may be between brother and sister, husband and wife, employer and employee, etc.

Essay Topic 2

What motivates the following characters?

1) Fiona.

2) Paddy.

3) Mary Carson.

4) Meggie.

Essay Topic 3

From the time the Clearys are introduced, the reader forms impressions about the family. What are your initial reactions to Fiona and Paddy? Do you see them as good, bad or just two people trying to do the best they can? How does that impression change, if it does, as the story unfolds?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample