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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 Claire purchase the items for dinner?

2. What missing items is Helen looking for before going on a college trip?

3. What does Claire learn are Adam's intentions with Helen?

4. Why is Adam kind of annoyed with Claire when they meet?

5. What does Claire's mother feel about Claire's attraction to Adam?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author show that Claire is conflicted about whether or not she should spend time with Adam?

2. What does Adam's invitation to his flat foreshadow for Claire?

3. Explain how Adam outrageously flirts with Claire.

4. How did Claire meet her husband, James?

5. What does Claire learn about the woman James is involved with and what does Claire decide to do?

6. How does Claire arrange it so that she runs into Adam?

7. How does Claire meet Adam?

8. What realities does Claire realize that she must face now?

9. Why does Claire turn to alcohol during this time in her life?

10. What irritates Claire when she and Adam meet for coffee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

WATERMELON is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of the family in WATERMELON. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family to most Irish families living during the 1990s?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book? List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

(see the answer keys)

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