1. Which famous science fiction writer has Arthur Less come to interview in New York City?
(a) H. H. H. Mandern.
(b) Philip K. Dick.
(c) Ray Bradbury.
(d) Isaac Asimov.

2. In what desert does Arthur Less plan to turn 50 years old?
(a) The Gobi.
(b) The Sahara.
(c) The Sierra.
(d) The Mojave.

3. What is Freddy's legal first name?
(a) Freddy.
(b) Frederich.
(c) Frederick.
(d) Federico.

4. What color is the theme of the party at which Freddy and Arthur meet for the first time?
(a) Blue.
(b) White.
(c) Gold.
(d) Red.

5. What career did Freddy inhabit after he graduated from college?
(a) High school English teacher.
(b) Biologist.
(c) Agricultural liaison.
(d) Cultural attache.

Short Answer Questions

1. Though the narrator says that all Arthur Less has "managed to grow is a gentle sense of himself, akin to the transparent carapace of a soft-shelled crab" (6), what event is stated to still have the ability to hurt him?

2. What is the title of Arthur Less's newest book that he has just submitted to a publisher before the opening of the novel?

3. In what country is the first stop on Arthur Less's itinerary?

4. For how many years did the relationship between Arthur Less and Freddy last?

5. In what month does the novel open?

(see the answer key)

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