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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. Why had Dennis accepted the bribe money all those years ago?

2. Who arrives at the house to calm Maeve?

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

4. Maeve clearly won Billy's _____________, if not his heart.

5. Maeve's father was Billy's first ______________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens when Dennis makes a service call to a black church?

3. How would Billy's life had been different had he married Eva, at least according to Dan Lynch?

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

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

6. What is Dennis' daughter's relationship with Matt, the tenant's son?

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

8. What does Maeve recall about her first date with Billy?

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

10. What does Eva tell Billy about her deception?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the setting for the novel. Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the writer choose this setting?

Essay Topic 2

Billy wanted desperately to bring Eva to America not only because he loved her but also because it would improve her quality of life. Describe the experience of Eva and her family in Ireland. Why would they have wanted to come to America? Was Billy's dream feasible at all? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The role of the family--especially an Irish family--is an important element in this story. Cite three examples noting the role of the family in general. Then cite three examples that showcase characteristics of an Irish family in America.

(see the answer keys)

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