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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. Alice tells her husband that he peaks in which year?

2. In chapter one, what object does Alice wave in the air following Calvin's speech?

3. How many siblings does Alice have?

4. According to Calvin, what kinds of men are attracted to Alice?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. When Calvin Trillin describes the first time he sees Alice in chapter two, what does he say is the first thing that strikes him about her? Is it simply her attractiveness, or something else?

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

3. In chapter two, Calvin Trillin reveals that he never stops trying to impress his wife Alice. Give an example of this.

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

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. In what ways is Alice's beauty a hardship?

10. Does Alice believe she is accurately portrayed in Trillin's books and articles? Briefly describe why or why not.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Abigail and Sarah grow up to have careers in social work.

• According to Trillin, which parent influence Abigail and Sarah more? Why?

• In what ways does this parent influence Abigail and Sarah?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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