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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 had happened on the night Dennis was denied a promotion?

2. What do Dennis' kids do after his wife dies?

3. What does Dennis talk to Dan Lynch about on the drive home?

4. Where does Billy ask Maeve to go after dinner?

5. How many children does Eva have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the person who ultimately brings some calm to the mourners at Maeve's house?

2. Explain the symbolism of the postcard Billy sent Maeve many years ago.

3. Explain the role of Maeve's father in her relationship with Billy.

4. What does Dan share about Billy and Maeve's relationship the night of the funeral?

5. What does Dennis' daughter find in Maeve's bedroom?

6. What happens when Maeve hears Dennis' voice in the house?

7. How does the theme of love extend in Chapter 8?

8. What is the setting for Chapter 7?

9. How did a friendship between Maeve and Dennis begin to form?

10. How does Dennis respond when his daughter asks him about his faith now?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In keeping with the title of CHARMING BILLY, what exactly did Billy do to earn that title? Cite three examples that support Billy's charm. Why did the author name the book CHARMING BILLY instead of something more haunting and perhaps more fitting for Billy's life?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the irony of Dennis' decision to tell Billy that Eva had died. What was Dennis intention? What was the short term result? What was the long term result? How did Dennis contribute to Benny's death? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the book. Then drill down to describe the three most important settings related to the plot. Explain the significance for each location as it relates to the story.

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