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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 does Frank's mother say about Theresa Daly and Frank's dad?

2. About what does Frank think his mother would have teased Holly?

3. What does Frank say he will do for Stephen?

4. How does Frank think his father's thinking is skewed?

5. What does Frank find surprising about what Holly says about his family?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Stephen say about the comparison between Rosie's and Kevin's deaths?

2. How does Frank have to change his perception about Rosie?

3. What does Frank's mother tell him about Mr. Mackey and Theresa Daly?

4. What does Frank recall about what Rosie told him the night they decide to leave?

5. What does Nora say about her feelings about Rosie?

6. What does Frank request at his office?

7. How do people react to Frank at Kevin's wake and what is Jackie's theory about their reactions?

8. What does Frank think Scorcher is trying to do by ruling Kevin's death an accident and how does Mrs. Mackey react?

9. What does Kennedy tell Frank that infuriates Frank?

10. Why has Jackie again frantically called Frank?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Faithful Place". Questions that French most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the French' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss French's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of French and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Faithful Place". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think French chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think French chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss French's use (or lack ) of literary device ( such as allusion, connotation, denouement, dialogue, flashback, figurative language, motif, metaphor, narrator, point of view, simile, mood, and puns) and how they add or detract from the story. Does French use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Faithful Place" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Faithful Place"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Faithful Place" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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