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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 Flynn motivate the Fenians before the anticipated attack by the police?

2. How many suitcases with explosives does Maureen disarm?

3. Which of the hostages is first to be rescued?

4. After the escape attempt in Book 4, Chapter 46, what does Hickey change in his demands?

5. In preparation for the attack by the police, why do the Fenians light every candle they can find?

Short Essay Questions

1. When it is evident the police are going to storm the cathedral, if you were Flynn, would you move forward and stand strong or give in on your demands? Why?

2. After Maureen is put in the car to be taken to a hospital, what do you think will happen to her next?

3. What does Langley report to Hickey about the status of the release of the prisoners?

4. In Book 5, why doesn't the bomb go off as planned?

5. Describe the pressure the Mayor uses to get everyone to go forward with the attack.

6. At the end of Book 4, Chapter 50, what is the likelihood of the situation coming to a peaceful end? Why?

7. Why do Hickey and Megan go into the crawlspace after Maureen when she tries to escape?

8. What story does the Mayor tell during the press conference?

9. At the end of Chapter 45, it becomes clear to Burke that Flynn is trapped by the hostage situation. How is he trapped?

10. Describe the attack plan Schroeder tells to Flynn.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, there are many times where a character has to make the decision to fight or run away. In an essay, cite examples of this fight or flight reflex in the novel. In each instance, evaluate whether or not the character did the appropriate thing. How might the story be different if the character did the opposite? Do you agree or disagree with the character's actions?

Essay Topic 2

In an essay, write a literary critique of The Cathedral. Include the following:

· What is the author's purpose in writing the story?

· What is the author's underlying belief about the topic?

· Do you agree with the author's conclusions?

· Does the writing follow a conventional plot diagram?

· Is the conflict made clear?

· Do you agree with the author's resolution of the conflict?

· Is there enough evidence throughout the novel to support the events that take place?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the reading of the novel, we have analyzed the development of the plot. In an essay, summarize the key events of the novel and what elements of plot they are. Include exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution.

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