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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. In "In the Basement," what does Nicholas say Lisa did with her narrative writing?

2. What does recording the family radio program in "Middleman" make Joshua question?

3. In "In the Basement," how do Nicholas and Maria feel about Lisa's house?

4. Why does Lisa keep her dog in the basement in "In the Basement"?

5. In "In the Basement," how many children does Lisa have?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator of "In the Basement" feel about Nicholas' relationship with Maria?

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

3. In "In the Basement," how does Nicholas describe Lisa's lifestyle?

4. Why do Nicholas and Maria tell the narrator and his wife about Lisa in "In the Basement"?

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

6. What is the last thing Caleb does in "When in Rome"?

7. In "When in Rome," how do Caleb and Kevin react to being mugged?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the use of prose and descriptive passages in two of the stories in this collection. Consider the times the author uses lengthy and detailed passages vs. short, clipped ones. How does each style affect the story to which they belong? What might account for the variety in writing styles?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in this collection of stories are opposites of one another. Analyze the use of opposite characters within a story or stories. How do they develop the plot? How do they develop the themes?

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use mirroring in these stories? Choose at least three stories and analyze how mirroring among the characters and setting is used. What makes this device effective or ineffective?

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