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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The narrator describes the ride home from the tour of Mexico City as "half as charming" (61) as the ride there, due to being what?
(a) Ten times slower.
(b) Filled with twice as many people.
(c) Twice as smelly.
(d) Ten times hotter.

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

3. How long had Arthur and Robert known one another before they went on a road trip to Mexico together?
(a) One month.
(b) Two weeks.
(c) Three months.
(d) One year.

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

5. What was the title of Arthur Less's first novel?
(a) Dark Matter.
(b) The Counterglow.
(c) Cormorant Breach.
(d) Kalipso.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what desert does Arthur Less plan to turn 50 years old?

2. For what occasion has Arthur Less been asked to interview the science fiction writer?

3. What is Freddy's legal first name?

4. What career did Freddy inhabit after he graduated from college?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about Marian's last words to Arthur before he dives into the ocean during their first meeting?

2. What is the significance of Arthur's temporary loss of the ring given to him by Robert on their fifth anniversary?

3. Why does Arthur automatically lie when he is asked whether he has ever been to Mexico?

4. What does Freddy mean when he calls Arthur the bravest person he knows?

5. What are the reasons for Arthur's exhaustion the first morning he wakes up in Mexico?

6. What is Arthur's reaction to Carlos's suggestion that he needs to "get an edge" (6) in order to decrease his level of vulnerability?

7. For what purpose does Arthur accept all of the literary invitations he has received?

8. What other two prize ceremonies are called to Arthur's mind at the awards ceremony in Italy?

9. What are Arthur's feelings about the works of the science fiction writer H. H. H. Mandern?

10. Why does the behavior of the Mexico City festival's organizer perplex Arthur?

(see the answer keys)

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