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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 does Claire realize about herself if she were to live with James again?

2. What does James ask Claire when he calls?

3. For what reason would Claire consider reconciliation with James?

4. What does Claire find herself doing after James tells her some of her faults?

5. Who does Claire ask for advice prior to her meeting with James?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Claire not feel happy about going back to James?

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

4. How does Claire respond to James' phone calls when she returns to her parents' home?

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

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

7. How does Claire shock her mother in Chapter 23?

8. What does Adam share about his ex-girlfriend and daughter?

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

10. How does Claire's fluctuating self esteem have her second-guessing herself as a person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Loss is an important theme in WATERMELON. Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

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

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Claire's life. Will Adam still be such a powerful presence in her life? What kind of child is Kate? What role does James play in Claire and Kate's lives? Explain.

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