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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. Where does Caleb say Kevin went to buy drugs during his law school visit in "When in Rome"?

2. In "When in Rome," how does Caleb say he once chocked his brother?

3. Who lectures Caleb when he leaves work to meet with Kevin in "When in Rome"?

4. Why do the narrator and his wife move carefully in Nicholas' apartment in "In the Basement"?

5. In "When in Rome," why does Caleb start talking to Kevin again?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "In the Basement," what history does the narrator give about Nicholas and Maria's relationship?

2. In "When in Rome," why does Caleb admit to trying to choke Kevin?

3. In "Middleman," what does John's father say about his time in the Navy?

4. In "Middleman," how does John meet Elsa?

5. In "Middleman," what makes Elsa talk to John?

6. How does John try to help Elsa's acting career in "Middleman"?

7. In "In the Basement," what is kept in a basement?

8. What does the narrator's wife, Carla, say to him at the end of "In the Basement"?

9. How does Caleb try to mend his relationship with Kevin in "When in Rome"?

10. In "In the Basement," at what things does Nicholas feel Lisa failed in her life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast two similar characters who act differently. How do their different actions change what seems to make them similar? How does this provide a message about free will in the collection?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the author's use of symbolism throughout this collection. Possibilities to consider are: the basement, money, cars, the plane, colors and clothing.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the collection as a whole. Is there an overall theme that runs through each story? Define and analyze this theme. What does the author convey about this theme after reading every story?

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