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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 wry comment does a passenger make as Dangerfield leaves the train?

2. What does Marion feel about their life in the new house?

3. Why is Marion furious when she returns home?

4. How much money does O'Keefe give to Dangerfield?

5. Where does the woman in #41 work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Chapter 10 is a long, crass joke indicative of Dangerfield's unwillingness to examine himself when problems arise.

2. Why does Dangerfield not mind when Chris tries to talk about their relationship?

3. How are Marion and O'Keefe alike in their relationships with Dangerfield?

4. How do Dangerfield and Marion feel about living in the new house?

5. Why is Dangerfield so angry to learn that Marion has contacted his father?

6. Why do Dangerfield and Marion fight when she returns home from her trip?

7. How does the impoverished Dangerfield secure food for O'Keefe and himself?

8. What is the result of Dangerfield's embarrassment about the train incident?

9. Why are O'Keefe's challenges in having sex partly of his own making?

10. Why does Dangerfield turn to Chris when he has wrecked the bar in a drunken state?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What is the overall setting setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Donleavy choose to use these places in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in Ireland in the mid-20th century. What precedents were they forced to follow? What role does poverty play in their lives? How does religion rule over their choices?

(see the answer keys)

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