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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 Madge bring in from the scullery in Episode 1?

2. In the flashback with Katie, what is Katie’s concern?

3. In the flashback with Katie, what does Katie ask Gar to do?

4. Why does Gar say that Boyle may have been his father?

5. Who is SB O'Donnell?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Boyle’s words guide Gar on how to deal with the past and with his identity?

2. What does public Gar mean when he says “on my last day with him he got ten minutes’ overtime out of my hide” (2)?

3. Does SB discuss public Gar’s plans and Philadelphia on his last night at home?

4. How does Gar respond to Katie's realization the night they were planning their wedding?

5. What does Madge mean when she says, “A body couldn’t get a word in edge-ways with you two" (30)?

6. Why does private Gar question public Gar whether the latter understands the implications of his decision to leave?

7. Why is public Gar shaken after Boyle leaves?

8. How realistic is private Gar’s pretense about public Gar being employed by the owner of the biggest chain of hotels?

9. How does Madge interpret SB’s silence as his son plans to leave?

10. What is in the suitcase Madge brings in and what is its significance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how Madge’s perspective could give the plot a different structure. Take into consideration her refusal to take a position.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of Lizzy and the letter that makes Gar plan on leaving Ireland.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Gar’s friends and their reaction to Gar’s impending departure. Are his friends part of the situation Gar wishes to escape?

(see the answer keys)

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