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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 would Claire say she wanted to see James?

2. Why is the person in #110 upset?

3. What does Claire wish for regarding James?

4. What arrives in the mail at Claire's parents' home?

5. Who does Claire ask to babysit Kate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does James reveal to Claire at the restaurant?

2. What does Claire learn about James from her friend, Judy?

3. What does James declare to Claire when he returns to her parents' home?

4. Where is Claire preparing to go in Chapter 21?

5. Describe the scenario when Claire confronts James and ends their marriage.

6. Why does Helen break out in laughter when she sees Claire and Adam together?

7. How does Claire consider Kate's needs as she tries to realign her life?

8. What will guide Claire's ultimate choice in a man?

9. How does Claire bewilder James in their meeting at her parents' home?

10. What is the nature of Claire and Adam's relationship as the novel ends?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Betrayal seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the sense of betrayal? Why does it have such a prevalent place in Claire's life? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role of the family in WATERMELON. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family to most Irish families living during the 1990s?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book? List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

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This section contains 1,112 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample