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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. What is Nat's occupation?

3. What is Nat's last name?

4. What does Joel say that new mothers need?

5. What color are Joel's eyes?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Miles' analyst, what problem does Miles have?

2. Why does Joel begin to feel less obligated to Miles?

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

4. Why does Joel believe people do not show Stella a lot of attention?

5. What does Joel say to Stella about people in Hollywood?

6. Why does Joel call Stella's doctor even though she asks him not to?

7. Describe the letter Stella sends to Joel.

8. What reason does Stella give for why Miles is not at the theater?

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

10. How does Stella make Joel feel important?

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

How is Hollywood treated in the story? What does working and living in Hollywood seem to do to people? How is the story different if it is set somewhere else.

Essay Topic 3

Explore Joel's immaturity. Cite three instances where his immaturity is prevalent in the story. What significance does each instance play in the story, and what is the overall significance of this character trait?

(see the answer keys)

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