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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. What is the headline for Alice's obituary in the Times?

2. At which institution does Alice teach English in her mid-twenties?

3. How old is Alice when she is asked to be photographed by Doug Kirkland and model spring fashions in a magazine?

4. In chapter three, Calvin includes an excerpt from an article that Alice writes about her parents. Which of the following statements summarizes the point makes in the excerpt?

5. Calvin states that he and his wife disagree about which of the following details from the night when they first meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways do you think Alice serves as Calvin Trillin's muse? Include characteristics that inspire his writing.

2. What does Alice keep in her Important Things envelope? Why are the things inside it so important to her?

3. What are some of the adversities Alice faces throughout her life?

4. Calvin Trillin states that from the day he meets Alice, he never stops trying to impress her. Why?

5. In what ways are Alice's looks, coupled with the superficial facts about her background, misleading?

6. In chapter three, why does Alice accept the request to be photographed in a fashion issue of a magazine?

7. Chapter three contains two humorous poems about Alice. What theme do they share?

8. What event causes Alice to feel as though she loses her looks?

9. In chapter one, the reader learns that there is one condolence letter that makes Calvin Trillin laugh. Why?

10. In chapter three, Calvin Trillin explains that Alice's role as caretaker to her parents has a positive impact on her life. How?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does Alice believe she is accurately portrayed in Trillin's books and articles?

• Compare and contrast Trillin's portrayal of his wife in About Alice to the character in his previous works.

• Include specific examples of Alice's real-life qualities, as provided in the memoir.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does Trillin rely on his wife Alice in his professional life?

Part 1) What function does she have in Trillin's work routine?

Part 2) How is she portrayed in Trillin's writings?

Part 3) In what ways does Alice serve as a muse to her husband?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 3

In what ways does Alice express her gratitude throughout her lifetime? What reasons does she give for being grateful? Be sure to address the following:

• How does her sense of gratitude impact others in her life?

• Do you agree with Alice's assessment that she is a lucky person?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

(see the answer keys)

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