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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. Felix Buckman believes that on the whole, people "mostly function in" (107) what type of fashion?
(a) Instinctual.
(b) Chaotic.
(c) Ordered.
(d) Logical.

2. When Jason Taverner meets Alys, he assumes she is a what?
(a) An informant.
(b) A drug addict.
(c) A seven.
(d) A six.

3. Felix Buckman wonders if his love for which two elements are what make him a superb pol?
(a) Philosophy and music.
(b) Words and music.
(c) Science and music.
(d) Nature and words.

4. The title of the novel is taken from a song by what composer?
(a) Ravel.
(b) Dowland.
(c) Beethoven.
(d) Brahms.

5. What emotion does Ruth Rae say is the most powerful one on earth?
(a) Empathy.
(b) Grief.
(c) Sympathy.
(d) Joy.

Short Answer Questions

1. How had Felix Buckman felt about Alys when they were children?

2. Ruth Rae describes death as "the great" (119) what?

3. While interrogating Jason Taverner, Felix Buckman calls out for who else to be brought in?

4. Into whom does Jason Taverner run on his way out of the police station?

5. What word does Alys use when she invites Jason Taverner to the Buckmans' home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Alys's clothes symbolize within the narrative?

2. To what metaphorical object does Felix Buckman liken his newfound tool for dealing with sixes?

3. What plan does Buckman ultimately adopt with regard to Jason?

4. Discuss a moment when Buckman's callousness is demonstrated.

5. Into whom does Jason run on his way out of the police station?

6. What does Felix Buckman conclude about why he feels such antipathy toward Alys?

7. What connection does Ruth Rae make between love and grief?

8. During Jason Taverner's first interaction with Alys, what knowledge does he lack about Alys that the reader does not lack?

9. Who expresses strong disagreement with Jason Taverner's beliefs about family?

10. What thought causes Jason Taverner to accept Alys's invitation to the Buckmans' home?

(see the answer keys)

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