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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. Why does Claire want to see Adam before she returns to London?

2. What reaction did James expect Claire to have about his new girlfriend?

3. What does James want to know when he calls Claire from London?

4. Why do Claire's mother and sisters fuss over her?

5. What news does James deliver to Claire via a phone call?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Claire's overall demeanor when James arrives at her parents' home?

2. What makes Claire cry after her meeting with James?

3. What does James reveal to Claire about why he really left her?

4. What will guide Claire's ultimate choice in a man?

5. What living arrangements and custody agreement do Claire and James agree to?

6. Why is Adam unhappy about Claire's decision to return to James?

7. Where is Claire preparing to go in Chapter 21?

8. What is the culmination of the evening Claire and Adam spend together at his place?

9. How does James try to make Claire jealous?

10. Why can Laura not give Claire any advice before Claire's call with James?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast James and Adam. Both men want influence over Claire but have their hold on her in very different ways. Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in drama? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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