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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. Where does Calvin keep one of the photos of Alice from the article in chapter three?

2. In chapter two, how does Calvin characterize his behavior during his second meeting with Alice?

3. What is the first book that Calvin writes after he meets Alice?

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

5. What is the name of Calvin's youngest daughter?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In chapter one, Trillin reveals that although his readers become familiar with Alice as a sensible, somewhat serious character in his books and articles, they never really know her. Why?

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

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

6. According to Calvin Trillin, Alice's beauty gives her some advantages. Explain.

7. What is one positive quality that Alice inherits from her father? Why do you think this quality is especially beneficial to Alice?

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

9. Describe Calvin Trillin's father-in-law.

10. In chapter two, Calvin Trillin draws a parallel in the relationship between the novelist Dick Francis and his late wife Mary and Trillin's own marriage to Alice. Explain.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you make an argument for or against the Alice Tax. Compare and contrast the Alice Tax with Alice's Law of Compensatory Cash Flow. Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the concept of love between a husband and wife in About Alice. Be sure to answer the following questions:

• How does Trillin portray his love for his wife?

• How does Trillin portray Alice's love for him?

• What is unique about their marriage? Is it a marriage of equals? Why or why not?

• What statement does Trillin's memoir make about his love for her?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Write about the levels of perseverance exhibited by Alice and Calvin.

Part 1) In what ways does Alice or Calvin exhibit perseverance?

Part 2) What keeps them hopeful?

Part 3) Do either person ever lose hope? If so, when? What is the outcome?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

(see the answer keys)

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