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

Multiple Choice 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?
(a) Heartbreak.
(b) A mediocre review.
(c) A rejection by a publisher.
(d) A careless slight.

2. During their first meeting on the beach, what does Marian advise Arthur to do with his youth?
(a) Embrace it.
(b) Bury it.
(c) Regret it.
(d) Waste it.

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

4. What crucial question did Arthur realize he had never asked Robert during their trip to Mexico?
(a) Do you love me?
(b) Why me?
(c) Where is your wife?
(d) What are your intentions?

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

6. What food does the guide in Mexico City name as being at the center of Mexican cuisine?
(a) Tortillas.
(b) Beans.
(c) Pork.
(d) Chilis.

7. Besides long, which adjective is used by the narrator to describe Arthur Less's nose?
(a) Beakish.
(b) Narrow.
(c) Sensible.
(d) Patrician.

8. In what country is the first stop on Arthur Less's itinerary?
(a) Mexico.
(b) Canada.
(c) Spain.
(d) Argentina.

9. What is the name of Arthur's hotel in Mexico?
(a) The Monkey House.
(b) The Cherry Tree.
(c) El Zapateria.
(d) The Eternal Flame.

10. How many other poets from the Russian River School are still alive besides Robert?
(a) One.
(b) Three.
(c) Two.
(d) Zero.

11. For how long was Arthur romantically involved with the professor, Howard?
(a) 3 years.
(b) 3 months.
(c) 6 months.
(d) 9 years.

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

13. What reason is given for Arthur's lack of a watch in the novel's opening scene?
(a) He favors spontaneity.
(b) It was stolen.
(c) His faith is fast.
(d) He had left it at home.

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

15. Who painted the nude portrait of Arthur when he was a young man?
(a) Chelsea Hovorka.
(b) Otto Handler.
(c) Franklin Woodhouse.
(d) Leonard Ross.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is NOT on the list of expenses that Arthur Less cannot afford to pay for during his trip around the world?

2. What reason does the festival organizer give for why he never attends the panels he puts together?

3. When Freddy and Arthur are sitting in the bar and are describing one another using one sentence, Freddy describes Arthur using what adjective?

4. Before Arthur's visit to Italy for the prize ceremony, how many times had he previously been to Italy?

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

(see the answer keys)

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