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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 many children does Eva have?

2. What does Maeve's father tell Maeve about Billy's asking her to go out after dinner?

3. What does Dennis do with the item the minister gives him?

4. What have the neighbors brought to Maeve's house?

5. What does Dennis do when he comes into Maeve's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What shocking information does Billy get in the flashback in Chapter 12?

2. How does Dennis' faith in Billy's dream extend past practicality?

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

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

5. How do Dennis' kids manage their father's grief after their mother dies?

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

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

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

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

10. What does the episode with the black minister remind Dennis of?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of irony in the book. One example is the funeral dinner held at a bar for Billy who died from alcohol poisoning. Cite at least three other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Create a character study of Maeve Lynch. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Maeve?

(see the answer keys)

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