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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through “A Woman With a Little Dog,” “A Hovering Young Man”.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which president’s speech does Smith cite at the start of “The American Exception”?
(a) Bill Clinton.
(b) Barack Obama.
(c) Donald Trump.
(d) Joe Biden.

2. What is one of Barbara’s habits in “A Woman with a Little Dog”?
(a) Drinking.
(b) Nail biting.
(c) Swearing.
(d) Smoking.

3. In “The American Exception,” Smith says that nobody in 1945 wanted to go back to 1939 unless it was to do what?
(a) Change the course of history.
(b) Be younger.
(c) Resurrect the dead.
(d) Vote for a different leader.

4. What phrase does Smith use to describes Cy’s style in “A Hovering Young Man”?
(a) Youthful ignorance.
(b) Childish foolishness.
(c) Young eccentricity.
(d) Youthful exuberance.

5. In “Suffering Like Mel Gibson,” Smith says that suffering “is not relative; it is” (34) what?
(a) Imaginary.
(b) A waste of time.
(c) Necessary.
(d) Absolute.

Short Answer Questions

1. Though the “bubble” of privilege can be penetrated, what bubble does Smith say cannot be penetrated?

2. Which type of person does Smith say was overjoyed with the new free time at the start of the pandemic?

3. Though Barbara is older, Smith says she is like many women in the city who do not get old in what “traditional” (48) way?

4. What does Trump say we did not have prior to the pandemic, which Smith agrees?

5. At the end of “The American Exception,” what did Smith say states were forced to bid on during the pandemic?

(see the answer key)

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