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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. In chapter two, how much time passes between Calvin's first and second meeting with Alice?

2. How does Calvin portray his wife Alice in books and magazine articles written before she dies?

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

4. In chapter two, what fact about Dick Francis and his wife does Calvin share with the reader?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

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

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

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

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

8. In chapter one, Calvin Trillin states that the stories he writes about his family can be compared what kinds of television shows?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Calvin Trillin states that Alice takes on a caretaker role with her parents early on in life.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the type of relationship Alice has with her parents with that of Alice's relationship with her own daughters.

Part 2) Who is a better role model, Alice or Alice's mother? Why?

Include examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

A few years after his wife Alice's diagnosis with lung cancer, Calvin Trillin is suddenly overcome with emotion in an airport.

Part 1) Describe the event and its significance in the memoir.

Part 2) What does this event say about Trillin's ability to process his wife's illness?

Part 3) Is Trillin in denial? If so, does he admit to it?

(see the answer keys)

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