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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For how long has Arthur Less been in New York at the novel's opening?
(a) On month.
(b) One week.
(c) Three days.
(d) Fewer than twenty-four hours.

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

3. On what holiday in 1987 did Arthur Less meet his one-time rival Carlos?
(a) Memorial Day.
(b) New Year's Day.
(c) Labor Day.
(d) Halloween.

4. What is the name of the science fiction writer's most famous character?
(a) Sherman.
(b) George.
(c) X3000.
(d) Peabody.

5. In what area of New York City had Arthur Less lived for a time after college?
(a) The Meatpacking District.
(b) The West Village.
(c) Long Island.
(d) Manhattan.

6. What topic is NOT on the list of questions Arthur Less is forbidden to ask the science fiction writer during the interview?
(a) His daughter.
(b) His age.
(c) His wife.
(d) His poorly-reviewed poetry collection.

7. Before Arthur's visit to Italy for the prize ceremony, how many times had he previously been to Italy?
(a) Twice.
(b) Thrice.
(c) Never.
(d) Once.

8. In what month does the novel open?
(a) January.
(b) October.
(c) August.
(d) June.

9. What drug did Arthur and Robert take together during their trip to Mexico?
(a) LSD.
(b) Ecstasy.
(c) Mescaline.
(d) Peyote.

10. In what country had Arthur Less bought his signature blue suit?
(a) Cambodia.
(b) Vietnam.
(c) China.
(d) Japan.

11. The narrator describes the octopuses at the market as being "coiled into" (55) what objects?
(a) Pyramids.
(b) Piles.
(c) Curlicues.
(d) Ampersands.

12. What food does Arthur Less eat for dinner in order to make up for the extravagance of seeing a Broadway show on his first night in New York City?
(a) A gyro.
(b) A slice of pizza.
(c) A hot dog.
(d) A teriyaki plate.

13. What lie does Arthur tell to his escort upon his arrival in Mexico?
(a) That he has won a Pulitzer Prize.
(b) That he is rich.
(c) That he has never been to Mexico before.
(d) That he has read the escort's book of poetry.

14. What language does Arthur mention to his literary escort that he had studied in high school, referring to his choice as a big mistake?
(a) French.
(b) Latin.
(c) German.
(d) Spanish.

15. What is the title of Arthur Less's newest book that he has just submitted to a publisher before the opening of the novel?
(a) Haste.
(b) Rapids.
(c) Quick.
(d) Swift.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what town did Arthur and Robert stay when they went to Mexico together?

2. What was the title of Arthur Less's first novel?

3. The final jury that awards the prize for which Arthur is nominated is composed of 12 what?

4. In what decade of life had Arthur Less been when his work was first published?

5. What reason is given for Arthur's lack of a watch in the novel's opening scene?

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