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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Before Arthur's visit to Italy for the prize ceremony, how many times had he previously been to Italy?
(a) Never.
(b) Once.
(c) Twice.
(d) Thrice.

2. What lie does Arthur tell to his escort upon his arrival in Mexico?
(a) That he has won a Pulitzer Prize.
(b) That he has never been to Mexico before.
(c) That he has read the escort's book of poetry.
(d) That he is rich.

3. The narrator says, "No one could rival Arthur Less for his ability to exit a room while" (37) performing what action?
(a) Avoiding notice.
(b) Appearing to be coming right back.
(c) Remaining inside the room.
(d) Leaving everyone in the room laughing.

4. In what sport had Arthur's one moment of athletic prowess occurred when he was 12 years old?
(a) Baseball.
(b) Soccer.
(c) Basketball.
(d) Lacrosse.

5. On what day of the Mexican festival is Arthur scheduled to speak?
(a) Day One.
(b) Day Three.
(c) Day Two.
(d) Day Five.

Short Answer Questions

1. For how long is Arthur alone at the golf resort in Italy before the other prize finalists arrive?

2. With what group of artists and writers was Arthur Less once associated?

3. In what city does Arthur Less currently live?

4. The final jury that awards the prize for which Arthur is nominated is composed of 12 what?

5. How often do Robert and Arthur still speak?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the narrator's hypothesis about why Arthur spends nine years with Freddy?

2. What does Freddy mean when he calls Arthur the bravest person he knows?

3. What is the significance of Arthur's temporary loss of the ring given to him by Robert on their fifth anniversary?

4. What is the nature of the current relationship between Arthur and Robert?

5. What is the actual sound being made when Arthur believes the sound of thunder to be interrupting his reveries during the Italian award ceremony?

6. What is Arthur's reaction to Carlos's suggestion that he needs to "get an edge" (6) in order to decrease his level of vulnerability?

7. What does Arthur hope will happen as a result of leaving America?

8. What is the relationship between Freddy and Carlos?

9. For what purpose has Arthur come to New York City and what is its end result?

10. What are Arthur's feelings about the works of the science fiction writer H. H. H. Mandern?

(see the answer keys)

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