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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. What does Nat tell Joel he has a problem with?

2. Who says, "I am a flop"?

3. Who says, "Everybody watches for everybody else's blunders, or tries to make sure they're with people that'll do them credit"?

4. How many children do Stella and Miles have?

5. What interrupts Joel and Nat's conversation at the tea?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miles' mother say that surprises Joel?

2. What is Joel's skit about?

3. What does Joel watch to see if Stella does when their conversation is interrupted?

4. Why does Joel become overcome with bitterness at the end of the story?

5. Why does Stella refuse to believe that Miles is dead?

6. How does Miles tell Joel he can obtain more information about his problems?

7. Why does Joel wish to refrain from drinking at Miles' house?

8. What is the reason Miles gives for why he does not see Joel at work?

9. What reason does Miles give for why he no longer wants Stella and Joel to discuss the affair at June's house?

10. What does Joel do when he realizes he is in love with Stella?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the role of Nat in the story. What is his purpose? How does he help the reader to learn more about Joel? How is the story different without him?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the minor character Eva. What is her significance? Why is it important that she never speaks in the story? Given Eva's description--motherly, older, and wiser than Stella--why might Miles be attracted to her?

Essay Topic 3

What role do telegrams play in the story? How are they significant? What purpose do the telegrams serve in the story? Of the three telegrams sent, what is the common bond?

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