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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. How many writers are invited to the first event at Miles' house?

2. What does Miles invite Joel to attend at the beginning of the story?

3. How does Joel react when he receives a telegram two days after the tea?

4. According to the invitation from Miles, what time does the tea start?

5. How much money does Nat tell Joel he loses recently?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Stella make Joel feel important?

2. What is Joel's skit about?

3. How does Stella come to realize Miles still loves her?

4. How does Miles die?

5. Why does Stella think Miles might be watching her and Joel?

6. Why does Joel spend the rest of his afternoon at the tea talking to people he does not know?

7. How does Miles react when Joel points out his double standard?

8. Why does Joel think his career must be moving in the right direction?

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

10. On the day after the tea at the Calman house, what does Joel swear he never does again?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the relationship between Stella and Joel. Why does she latch onto him? Do you think she has real feelings for him? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Look at the use of clothes in the story. Cite three instances where clothing is described and explain what you think each outfit symbolizes. Why does the author put so much detail into describing clothing?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of insecurity in the story? How does insecurity drive the plot? Which characters are the most insecure? What is the story saying about insecurity?

(see the answer keys)

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