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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. When did Johnny Reddy go to London and leave Sheila and the kids?

2. In Chapter 6, how long has it been since Lena's husband died?

3. Where was Cal's grandfather's place located?

4. Where does Alyssa live in Chapter 6?

5. What does Cal want Mart to get him from Noreen in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 8, what does Cal realize about his decision to try to help Trey find Brendan?

2. Who does Cal meet on the way home in Chapter 6, and what do they do?

3. What does Trey tell Cal when he finally gets around to telling him what he wants in Chapter 5?

4. What was Cal like when he was 19?

5. What is the name of the village pub, and what does it look like?

6. How does Cal almost catch the kid who has been watching him?

7. What excuse does Cal come up with to talk to Sheila Reddy?

8. How is Cal getting along in his new place?

9. What does Cal remember about teaching Alyssa to fish?

10. What does Mart show Cal in Chapter 8, and what does he ask Cal if he can do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Idioms are words or phrases that have a figurative, rather than a literal meaning. How does the author use idioms in the book? Why are the idioms sometimes difficult to understand, especially for Cal? Why do idioms often require research to understand their meaning?

Essay Topic 3

Backstories are used to present information about events that happened before events in the novel. How do backstories provide insight into characters and events? What is the importance of backstories in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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