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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 do Claire and Adam eat with their coffee?

2. Where does Adam kiss Claire on the face?

3. With what has Adam come home to help Helen?

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

5. What does Adam say to Claire that unnerves her?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Claire show her feelings of loss as symbolized by her missing luggage at the airport?

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

3. What is especially gratifying to Claire about the dinner she shops for and prepares for her family?

4. What news does James deliver to Claire in her hospital room?

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

6. Who is Laura and how does Claire know her?

7. How does Claire feel about her newborn daughter?

8. What is the significance of the novel's title, WATERMELON?

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

10. Why does Claire feel so guilty after spending the evening with Laura and Adam?

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

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

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