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. What does Michael say is found in dancing?

2. How is Gerry Evans wounded in Spain?

3. What does dancing become in Michael's memory?

4. When does Gerry Evans stop visiting the Mundys?

5. What language does the recruiter for the Spanish army speak?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you make of the kites as a symbol or metaphor, and of the fact that they wouldn't fly?

2. What phrase did Kate hit upon that comforted her as she tried to understand Uncle Jack's changed attitude toward life since his stay in Ryanda?

3. Which of the sisters understands the politics of the Spanish Civil War?

4. What is Michael writing to ask Santa Claus to bring, and why is the gift he wants significant?

5. What does Uncle Jack reveal about his ministry in Ryanga when Kate asks if the people gather together for Mass?

6. When Uncle Jack hears wedding bells, he asks if it is one of his sisters who is getting married. Who is actually marrying?

7. What has Rose forgotten when she comes home from her meeting with Danny Bradley?

8. How did Michael behave as his father, Gerry Evans, had done?

9. How does Rose trick Agnes and get away from her?

10. How does Uncle Jack reveal that the Ryangans have not been converted to Christianity by his efforts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Rose is lost, the hierarchy within the group of sisters changes. Who is usually in charge and who takes over during the emergency? Using quotations from the play, explain this dynamic and tell why you think the change took place.

Essay Topic 2

The character of Uncle Jack has paid a heavy cost in both body and mind to serve the lepers in Ryanga. He has also learned different ways of looking at the world than he had when he left Ireland. Do you see his character as a failure? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Ceremonies are important in this story. Select two of the ceremonies that are described or enacted to compare and contrast. Possibilities might be the silent dance "wedding" of Chris and Gerry Evans, the exchange of hats between Uncle Jack and Gerry Evans, the wild Irish dancing of the five sisters, the Ryangan ceremonies to celebrate the harvest, or the festival of Lughnasa itself.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 834 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample