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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. The narrator telling George's story states that at the time of the narrative's unfolding, "it's just past midnight on" (164) which holiday?
(a) New Year's Eve.
(b) Christmas.
(c) The Fourth of July.
(d) Halloween.

2. In what way had George's mother reacted to George's confession?
(a) She ran out of the room.
(b) She demanded an apology.
(c) She yelled.
(d) She laughed.

3. To which character had George's mother compared the painting by Francesco, calling it "generous," "sardonic," and "friendly" (205)?
(a) George's father.
(b) Lisa.
(c) Henry.
(d) George.

4. What is the first name of George's father?
(a) Connor.
(b) Nathan.
(c) Blake.
(d) Henry.

5. Which character redefines the word "mystery" for George, describing it as originally having meant "a closing" (184)?
(a) George's father.
(b) Mrs. Rock.
(c) H.
(d) Henry.

Short Answer Questions

1. The streets of the Italian town in which the museum lies are "full of people" (214) using which two forms of transportation?

2. What emotion is Henry really feeling when he tells George that he is bored?

3. H refuses an invitation from George's father to stay for what meal during her third visit?

4. During the conversation near the castle, George's mother scolded Henry for what transgression?

5. George notes that the Italian town with the museum has what two qualities?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the shopping cart within the narrative represent in the scene at "the car park" (231)?

2. What timeline does George provide on the first page of the section entitled Eyes and what is its significance?

3. What is the main method George's father uses to cope with the trauma of losing his wife?

4. What is the significance of George's shift away from considering a particular element of language to be very important?

5. What does George tell her father after he discovers her in the garden engaging in her daily ritual?

6. Give an example of a piece of dialogue in How to Be Both that reflects the theme of connection.

7. Explain the revelation that is finally made about the source of George's incessant feelings of "guilt and fury" (210) that result in repetitive thoughts.

8. What irony does George note about her father's profession?

9. Describe the conversation George has with Mrs. Rock about her mother's criticism of a certain politician.

10. What two contradictory terms does George use to describe the atmosphere of the Italian town called Ferrara that she had visited with her mother and brother Henry?

(see the answer keys)

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