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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 does Mary Carson view Ralph de Bricassart?

2. Mary Carson is jealous of which character?

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

4. What does Ralph insist that Meggie do?

5. What occupation does the eldest Cleary son hold?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe what happens to Paddy when he goes to round up sheep during a storm.

3. What is life like for Fiona at Drogheda?

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

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

6. What causes disagreements between Frank and Paddy?

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

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

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

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

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

The relationship between mothers and daughters can be complicated at times. Meggie and Fiona are the only immediate female members of the Cleary family. From Meggie's 4th birthday and the incident with her new doll, the reader is able to catch glimpses of their relationship. Picking four stages of Meggie's life to analyze, what is her relationship like with Fiona at these stages?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 928 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample