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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. When Maya has affairs now she ________________________.

2. What is Karin's relationship with the man in #97?

3. Jeanine has no success in seducing ____________________.

4. What is the main color of the stained glass in Joan's childhood home?

5. Who are Austin's children?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of the red stained glass through which Joan views the world?

2. How does Joan's hometown of Logan contribute to people's needs to fit in and not be too distinctive?

3. Give some examples of how the author uses the theme of escape in this story.

4. Who is Austin Cobbett and what is a woman named Karin helping him do as the story begins?

5. In what ways is Georgia's friendship with Maya one-sided in terms of who gives more and who controls the friendship?

6. What does this story say about uneven love in relationships, especially in the case of Maya's husband, Raymond?

7. How does Karin think that her ex-husband, Brent, has facilitated Austin's departure from his church?

8. Why are the circumstances of Austin's death unclear and what speculation could occur about it?

9. Who are June (Bugs) and Averill and what are they doing as the story begins?

10. What sad event does the snowstorm prompt Karin to recall and why does she take Austin to the lake to photograph the ice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who are two of Munro's characters in this book who appeal to you the most? What is it about these characters that you like? What are their weaknesses? How about redeeming qualities? Are Munro's characters believable in your opinion. Explain and use examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Loss seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the sense of loss? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 3

What is the overall setting for the stories in the book? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Munro choose to use these places in the stories?

(see the answer keys)

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