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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 the Mayor require before an attack on the cathedral is launched?

2. At the end of the novel, Maureen encourages Brian to do what?

3. How many suitcases with explosives does Maureen disarm?

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

5. What does Flynn give Schroeder from Terri?

Short Essay Questions

1. During Maureen's escape attempt into the crawlspace, Hickey goes by the old rules of the IRA. What rule is this, and how does he follow it?

2. 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?

3. Describe the relationship between Maureen and Brian after the attack by the police.

4. What does Hickey want to see happen to Maureen?

5. How does Martin die? What do you think happened?

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

7. At the end of Book 4, Chapter 40, what new information does Jack Ferguson give Burke?

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

9. In the end, how does Burke become just like one of the politicians?

10. What is Operation Phoenix?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that outlines the theme of terrorism as it relates to the novel, Cathedral. Include the cause of the terrorist attacks, why the Fenians became terrorists, and whether or not terrorism was an effective way to reach their goals. In your essay, analyze whether or not terrorism works and strategies to curb future terrorist attacks.

Essay Topic 2

Symbolism is a literary device used to give meaning to an object beyond the obvious. Write an essay that analyzes a symbol used in Cathedral. Include a description of the symbol and how it is used in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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