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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. For how long have Yale and Charlie been together before Charlie's diagnosis?

2. Julian complains that which character is suffocating him with attention?

3. Fiona holds a private memorial for Nico with wine and candles on October 13th how many years after his death?

4. Claire starts coming to the furniture store to help Fiona at what age?

5. On what day of the week does Claire always come to the furniture store?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Yale speaks to his father over the phone, the narrator reveals that Yale has not told his father about what subjects?

2. Explain Fiona's acquisition of Nico's friends as her own friends.

3. Who is Dan?

4. Dr. Cheng makes what distinction between secrecy and shame in his conversation with Yale?

5. What subject is Fiona talking about when she unknowingly injures herself?

6. How does Fiona injure her hand during her conversation with Jake?

7. What "double good news" (231) does Arnaud reveal to Fiona at Richard's house in Paris?

8. What advice does Cecily give to Fiona about Fiona's meeting with Claire?

9. What information does Fiona find out about her granddaughter Nicolette during her meeting with Claire?

10. At what age had Claire started to help Fiona in the furniture store and what tasks had she performed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Focus especially on elements prevalent within the text, such as the unfolding of the AIDS crisis, the pursuit of monogamy, and the effects of homophobia on the American family.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample