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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. Which of Louise's relations is most strict about her food intake in the story, "The Fat Girl"?

2. How many stories are included in this collection?

3. How does Sean react when he gets stuck in the elevator with the young man?

4. In the story "The Amish Farmer," why does Noel drive off the road in Amish country?

5. If Sonny could choose any of the following occupations for himself, which would he choose?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Push like John Williams, and what does he do about it?

2. What type of relationship do George and Lenore have in the story "Weekend"?

3. How does Pendleton react to the newcomer in his restaurant in the story "The Fisherman From Chihuahua"?

4. How does Louise's husband react when Louise gains weight during her pregnancy?

5. What type of relationship does Carlyle form with Mrs. Webster in the story "Fever"?

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

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

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

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

10. What types of authors did Jenks and Carver seek to publish in this short story collection?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "Weekend," age becomes a factor in the relationships George forms. First, describe the women that George has a tendency to get romantically involved with. Where does he meet these women? What does their age difference tend to be? Explain the ways that George medicates himself through romantic relationships. What else does George depend on to make himself feel good about the age differences in his love life? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The story "Talk of Heroes" is the tale of wars, both personal and literal. Choose one character from this story who fought in a literal war and describe what happened to this character as a result of their experiences. Compare those experiences to the experiences of a character who fought in a personal war. What comparison do you think the author is trying to make about battles (either real or figurative) in one's personal life. Which is more dangerous? Which has disastrous effects? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In the story "The Misfits," Gay is a man who cannot commit to anything for a long period of time. Describe Gay's character and explain why he a fear of commitment. Choose one relationship in Gay's life and explain how his fear of commitment affected that relationship. Finally, describe the relationship between Gay and Perce. What brings these two men closer together? What threatens to tear them apart? Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

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