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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 five, Alice is quoted as saying the following about her mother:

2. What is the name of the club where Alice sometimes has lunch with her friend Wally Popolizio?

3. According to Calvin, his father is appalled by what kind of people?

4. Select the city in which Calvin and Alice have a disagreement about money.

5. Why does Alice buy a fur coat?

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter four, do you think Calvin Trillin is wise to not to take the advice of his colleague?

2. What is Alice's attitude toward spending money?

3. True or false: Alice shies away from taboo subjects. Explain your answer.

4. In chapter five, following Alice's bypass operation, what warning does Alice's surgeon give Calvin Trillin?

5. Alice believes that all people are capable of learning and can be taught new things, regardless of their background, provided they have the desire. Do you agree? Why or why not?

6. Why does Alice believe that "Herbie" deserves to be paid more than what he originally quoted for his contracting services?

7. In chapter six, explain Calvin Trillin's theory about the person who makes out the mortgage check in a marriage.

8. According to Calvin Trillin, what makes a person an intellectual?

9. Why does Alice think that marrying Calvin Trillin means she has to live a modest lifestyle?

10. Describe what Alice means when she says that someone "doesn't have a nice life."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on any one of the following aspects of Alice's beauty.

Part 1) Discuss the power and influence of Alice's beauty. How does it affect others? What opportunities does it afford her? What challenges does it bring?

Part 2) Alice is an outspoken, politically active woman who is a young woman during the time of the Feminism movement in the United States. Do you think that Alice's beauty and concern for her appearance make her unique in that context? If so, in what ways?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following essay topics:

• Is there a thesis statement in Trillin's memoir? If so, state it, along with supporting evidence.

• Discuss the parallels between Dick Francis and his wife Mary, and Calvin Trillin and his wife Alice. What is the point Trillin is making here? In what ways does he circle back to this point again and again throughout the memoir?

• Discuss the significance of Alice's statement that Trillin is "never again as funny as you are that night" (pg. 14.) Is Alice challenging her husband with this statement? If so, in what way?

Cite examples from the book in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Do you agree with Trillin's definition of an intellectual in About Alice? Why or why not?

Part 1) According to Trillin, in what ways is Alice an intellectual?

Part 2) Does Trillin believe he is intellectually superior to Alice? Why or why not?

Include specific references to the book to support your essay.

(see the answer keys)

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