View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Benny wish she could be like Eve and work in Dublin?

2. What is the outcome for Benny after all the tragedy?

3. Where does Jack invite Nan to go because he thinks Benny is in Knockglen?

4. What does Kit receive after Joseph dies?

5. What is Benny's reaction when Jack tells her he took Nan to the dance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What foils Nan's plans to tell Jack she is pregnant at Eve's cottage?

2. Why are Eve and Benny not happy with Nan's seeing Simon?

3. What is Jacks suggestion to Benny when they can go around together in Dublin?

4. What is the resolution for Benny at the end of the novel?

5. Why does Eve say they have to tell everyone about Jack and Nan?

6. Thinking about Jack and Nan, how close does Benny come to the real truth?

7. What do Benny and Annabel learn about the lawyer?

8. What advice does Dr. Johnson give Annabel when Eddie dies and why does he give it?

9. What is the meeting like at the cafe when Kit and Joseph are there?

10. How does Sean manipulate an invitation to the Hogan's house for Christmas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Heather as Hope for the Future. Binchy uses the child Heather to take aim at religious prejudice. (1) Show how Heather is unaffected by the Protestant/Catholic labels as she develops a relationship with Eve; (2) Discuss how Heather adapts to Mother Francis' school in preference to the boarding school in Dublin; (3) Mention Heather's enjoyment and excitement over being in the Easter pageant at St. Mary's. Evaluate how well Binchy is saying that people of all religions can live comfortably together.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on The Character of Benny in Circle of Friends. Divide the essay into three main points--Benny physically, Benny mentally and psychologically, and Benny at the end of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on The Psychology of Sean. First, contrast how Sean ingratiates himself with Eddie but the young Benny and Eve instinctively dislike him; Next, discuss his lack of conscience as he systematically embezzles money from Eddie; Finally, show his opportunistic marriage to Mrs. Healy. Conclude with your evaluation of how Binchy deals with his character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 702 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample