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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 adjective does Jamie use to describe Connell's appearance upon his arrival at Marianne's house?

2. Connell reflects upon the fact that capturing an experience on paper makes him feel as if he is capturing it inside what object?

3. Peggy often treats Marianne in what way?

4. Marianne confesses to Connell that Jamie is a what?

5. What sport does Rooney use in a metaphor describing the post-sex conversations between Marianne and Connell?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Connell finds that he will not be able to pay rent over the summer in his Dublin flat, what is his back-up plan?

2. For what reason does Connell procrastinate when enacting his back-up plan for summer housing?

3. What is Marianne's reply when Peggy asks about Marianne's hang-ups?

4. What simile does Rooney use to describe Connell's feelings about writing and why?

5. Describe Helen's impressions of Marianne.

6. What plans does Marianne make for her third year of college?

7. Discuss Rooney's use of a literary device to depict, foreshadow, or imply violence.

8. What are Connell's impressions of Alan and from whence do these impressions emerge?

9. What gift does Connell bring back for Mariane from his trip in the summer of 2013 and why?

10. Who is Helen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Marianne’s character throughout the novel Normal People. Discuss whether Marianne is a round or flat character and whether Marianne is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

How is the topic of communication treated within Normal People and how does its treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 3

Provide a thorough analysis of the denouement of Rooney's novel Normal People.

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