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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. At what type of location had Yale met his boyfriend in 1985?

2. Nora asks Yale and his companions to stay with her for how long so that she can tell them all of her stories?

3. Sketches by which artist are the pieces that Nora most wants to donate to the Briggs Gallery?

4. In 2015, Fiona wakes from a dream in which she is taking what action?

5. Who is Kurt within the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Yale's boss Bill keeps stopping by to report what details?

2. What is described as the only disappointment within Nora's art collection as the authentication process moves forward?

3. What step must first be taken before art can be donated?

4. What information does Fiona report to Yale about her family's cleaning out of Nico's place and how does Yale react?

5. In what ways does Fiona forcibly direct her parents in regard to Nico's illness and death?

6. What place does Fiona name as being a location in which she will definitely not find Claire and why?

7. Why is everyone at the party so alarmed after they see Terrence, Nico's former boyfriend?

8. What realization does Yale make while in the bathroom with Julian at the party?

9. What is ironic about the location at which Yale meets Charlie?

10. Who serves as Terrence's power of attorney near the end of his life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of Nico's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Makkai in depicting Nico and include in your discussion the reasons that Makkai portrays Nico and his loved ones’ reactions to Nico’s death in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 2

Write a critical essay about The Great Believers while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Makkai’s focus on the theme of community within the novel The Great Believers. What message is Makkai sending about the importance of community, particularly for members of marginalized communities?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 924 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample