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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Why I Write," Didion refers to writing as "the tactic of a secret" what?
(a) Snob.
(b) Introvert.
(c) Genius.
(d) Bully.

2. One meeting attendee in "Getting Serenity" says his idea is getting what?
(a) Sober.
(b) Serenity.
(c) A job.
(d) Married.

3. In what city in California does the meeting in "Getting Serenity" take place?
(a) San Diego.
(b) Gardena.
(c) Sacramento.
(d) Hollywood.

4. What is the name of the female character in A Book of Common Prayer which Didion discusses in "Why I Write" ?
(a) Lily Davis.
(b) Charlotte Douglass.
(c) Charly Dugan.
(d) Emily Dickens.

5. In what branch of the army was the second speaker in "Getting Serenity"?
(a) Coast Guard.
(b) Marines.
(c) Air Force.
(d) Navy.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Telling Stories," what does Didion say compelled her to try writing short stories again after 10 years?

2. What mandatory class did Didion need to take at Berkeley before she could graduate?

3. In "Alicia and the Underground Press," what does Didion feel a reader can be sure of when the writer allows their bias to exist?

4. In "Telling Stories," how many stories does Didion say she completed for English 106A?

5. In "Telling Stories," what does Didion say the writer of a short story needs to have that the writer of a novel does not?

(see the answer key)

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