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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. Sara is sent to a conference in what city?

2. What is Eve's job?

3. Who is the customer with whom Nan has a fight?

4. How old was Mary when she met the man in #142?

5. What is Olive's nationality?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Vera's married life just as dysfunctional as her childhood had been?

2. What is the premise of "Pimlico"?

3. Why does Rose want to take her father to Paris?

4. What is Eve's focus with the work she does for individual women?

5. How does this story differ from many of the other stories which address inter-generational conflict?

6. What does Mona learn about her own mother's view of her death from cancer that is similar to her own?

7. What is the premise of "Green Park"?

8. What are Eve's philosophies for helping women get ahead and when does she know to move on to the next opportunity?

9. How is Olive's true character in contrast to the gracious person she pretends to be?

10. What is the premise of "Stockwell"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Nan in "Warren Street." What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Nan?

Essay Topic 2

In several of the stories, the element of family reproach or disapproval over the choice of a lover or mate is prevalent. Why is this a recurring theme in Binchy's stories? Was this a typical mindset for the time period? Or is family judgmentalism an ever-present element in life in general?

Essay Topic 3

Does Binchy end any of her stories on a note of hope for her characters or are they fated to struggle to come to terms with their lives and flawed relationships? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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