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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Of the following, which does Calvin NOT list among those Alice frequently takes care of?
(a) Alice's parents.
(b) Cancer patients.
(c) Alice's children.
(d) Stray animals.

2. At the end of chapter three, Calvin describes an event in Alice's life that takes her by surprise. What happens?
(a) Alice is stopped for speeding by a police officer, and receives a ticket.
(b) Alice is stopped for speeding by a police officer and does not receive a ticket.
(c) Alice does not remember how to get home from the plant nursery.
(d) Alice is not asked for her identification at a bar.

3. What is Alice's mother doing for a living when she meets Alice's father?
(a) Alice's mother is a secretary.
(b) Alice's mother is a model.
(c) Alice's mother is a teacher.
(d) Alice's mother is a novelist.

4. In chapter three, what is the name of the publication in which Alice is featured in a fashion spread?
(a) Time.
(b) The New Yorker.
(c) Monocle.
(d) Times Magazine.

5. In Calvin's second poem in chapter three, he likens Alice to which of the following?
(a) A fast driver.
(b) A lass from Generation X.
(c) A dietitian in sensible shoes.
(d) A World War II nurse.

6. What is the first book that Calvin writes after he meets Alice?
(a) A collection of comic short stories.
(b) A biography.
(c) A mystery novel.
(d) A romance novel.

7. At which institution does Alice teach English in her mid-twenties?
(a) New York University.
(b) Yale University.
(c) Hofstra Universtity.
(d) Wellesley College.

8. Who writes the condolence letter that makes Calvin laugh?
(a) Richard Harris.
(b) Roger Wilkins.
(c) Mina Shaughnessy.
(d) Dick Francis.

9. In chapter two, how does Calvin characterize his behavior during his second meeting with Alice?
(a) A desperate comedy routine.
(b) A boring college lecture.
(c) A rough draft in need of edits.
(d) A winning job interview.

10. Calvin claims that the first time he sees Alice, he detects what quality about her heritage?
(a) Alice is Irish.
(b) Alice is Jewish.
(c) Alice is Swedish.
(d) Alice is European.

11. At the end of chapter three, Calvin tells a story about Alice in which she makes an annual trip to which of the following locations?
(a) A brownstone in Greenwich Village.
(b) A plant nursery in New Jersey.
(c) Her best friend's grave.
(d) A summer home in Nova Scotia.

12. What is the name of Calvin's youngest daughter?
(a) Isabelle Alice.
(b) Maggie.
(c) Abigail.
(d) Sarah.

13. According to Calvin, what leads to his success in courting Alice?
(a) His pipe smoking and fame as a writer.
(b) His dumb luck and one or two deliberate moves.
(c) His reluctance to speak.
(d) His dumb luck and good looks.

14. In what month and year does Calvin first meet Alice?
(a) August 1990.
(b) December 1976.
(c) April 1965.
(d) December 1963.

15. What is the first thing that strikes Calvin about Alice when he sees her for the first time?
(a) Alice looks more alive than anyone he sees.
(b) Alice is so very pretty.
(c) Alice is opinionated.
(d) Alice is talkative.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Calvin, which of the following best describes Alice at age fifty?

2. In chapter three, Calvin includes a quote from a friend of Alice who speaks at her memorial service. Who is this person?

3. When does Calvin read the obituary of Dick Francis' wife?

4. What is the theme of the poem at the introduction of chapter three?

5. What is Alice's reasoning for agreeing to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?

(see the answer keys)

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