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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. According to Calvin, he never stops trying to do what?

2. At the end of chapter two, Calvin states that he is reviewing the galleys of a book. What is the book's subject?

3. According to Calvin, why does he show Alice everything he writes in rough draft?

4. Which statement best describes Alice's upbringing?

5. What is the first thing that strikes Calvin about Alice when he sees her for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Calvin Trillin's memoir about his wife Alice contains memories filtered by both time and emotion.

Part 1) Discuss how these elements affect Trillin's recollection of certain key events in his life with Alice.

Part 2) To what extent do you think this memoir is ...

• An objective portrait of Trillin's marriage?

• A collection of memories?

• A collection of emotions?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

Write about the messages in this memoir about parenting.

Part 1) Does Calvin Trillin agree with his wife Alice about the importance of attending their children's school plays and eating dinner together? Why or why not?

Part 2) To what extent does Alice's parenting style differ from that of her husband?

Part 3) Why does Trilllin spend so much time on the subject of parenting in About Alice?

Part 4) Trillin provides brief glimpses into the points of view of Abigail and Sarah. What do their statements say about the parenting they receive?

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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