View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through "Why I Write," "Telling Stories" .

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Rather than being adversaries, Didion says that writers for mainstream newspapers are now what?
(a) Confidants.
(b) Bribed.
(c) Ignored.
(d) Blacklisted.

2. In "Telling Stories," what does Didion say compelled her to try writing short stories again after 10 years?
(a) Her interest in portraying a window into someone's world.
(b) Her boredom with long prose.
(c) A lack of ideas.
(d) The fear she would not write another novel.

3. What does Skip keep in his pocket in "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles"?
(a) A photo of his father from when he fought in World War I.
(b) A newsclipping about his son.
(c) A medal from when he was in the war.
(d) A picture of himself during the war.

4. In "A Trip to Xanadu," what is the name of the pool at San Simeon?
(a) Saturn.
(b) Jupiter.
(c) Venus.
(d) Neptune.

5. In what city does Didion meet Nancy in her home in "Pretty Nancy"?
(a) San Francisco.
(b) San Louis Obispo.
(c) Sacramento.
(d) San Diego.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of Joan's relatives does she show her college rejection letter to in "On Being Unchosen by the College of One's Choice"?

2. What is something Didion felt her classmates in English 106A had that she did not in "Telling Stories"?

3. What does Didion note that meeting attendees have an unusual knack for in "Getting Serenity"?

4. What kind of talk does Didion find unsettling during the meeting in "Getting Serenity"?

5. What does Nancy tell Joan is important to a man at the end of "Pretty Nancy"?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 300 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample