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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. Why does O'Keefe envy Dangerfield's marriage?

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

3. How does Dangerfield describe the person in #81 to Lily?

4. Why do the other passengers on the train react to Dangerfield's appearance?

5. What news does Dangerfield get from O'Keefe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is at the core of Dangerfield's nasty behavior?

2. Has Dangerfield's life improved from moving from the rickety house to the house in the city?

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

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

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

6. What is Dangerfield's destructive behavior when he learns that Marion has received money from his father?

7. How does Dangerfield view his wife and child and his life in general?

8. What is the premise of THE GINGER MAN?

9. How can Dangerfield be called an escapist and how does Chris figure into his escaping?

10. How does Dangerfield try to appease Marion when she realizes Dangerfield might be having an affair?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of O'Keefe. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about O'Keefe?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,065 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample