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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the story, "The Bystander," who did Arty's father attack before being committed to a mental institution?
(a) A co-worker.
(b) A random woman.
(c) A small boy.
(d) A neighbor.

2. What is the name of the first babysitter Carlyle hires?
(a) Debbie.
(b) Annie.
(c) Janie.
(d) Susie.

3. In the story, "Rock Springs," what handicap affects Terrel?
(a) He is deaf.
(b) He is mute.
(c) Terrel does not have a handicap.
(d) He is blind.

4. How many stories are included in this collection?
(a) 46 stories.
(b) 26 stories.
(c) 16 stories.
(d) 36 stories.

5. In the story "The Amish Farmer," why does Noel drive off the road in Amish country?
(a) Because he swerved to miss a deer.
(b) Because he took his eyes off the road.
(c) Because he slid during a storm.
(d) Because he was avoiding potholes.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Lewis complain about during his meeting with Arty?

2. Which of the following aspects of his children's lives does Sean obsessively worry about?

3. Who died, prompting the narrator to contact Sonny?

4. Why has Emily's daughter come to stay with her?

5. Which of the following adjectives does NOT describe the mysterious gypsy that arrives in town in the story "The Fisherman from Chihuahua"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What memory does Sean have of his father from when he was a 6 year old boy in the story "Midair"?

2. How does Arty's father react when his son comes for a visit at the mental institution in the story "The Bystander"?

3. What is Earl's first impression of the town Rock Springs?

4. How does Arty react in the story "The Bystander" when his father is committed to a mental institution?

5. What happens when Sean is trapped in an elevator in the story "Midair"?

6. What arrangement is struck-up between the three destitute characters in the story "1/3, 1/3, 1/3"?

7. How does Eileen react to the news of Carlyle's illness in the story "Fever"?

8. What part about Arty's life made him feel like a "Bystander"?

9. What type of relationship does George have with his ex-students?

10. What reaction does the narrator have when watching Sonny play his music in the story "Sonny's Blues"?

(see the answer keys)

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