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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through "Some Women," "The Long Distance Runner," "Last Words" Part I.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Didion say she considered doing after receiving her rejection letter in "On Being Unchosen by the College of One's Choice"?
(a) Shooting herself.
(b) Overdosing on pills.
(c) Running away.
(d) Slitting her wrists.

2. What is the full name of the man Joan is speaking with at the start of "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles"?
(a) Skip Gilligan.
(b) Skip Smitherton.
(c) Skip Skivington.
(d) Skip Skipperton.

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

4. In "A Trip to Xanadu," who does Didion say she took to tour San Simeon after it became a state monument?
(a) Her mother.
(b) Her daughter.
(c) Her husband.
(d) Her niece.

5. In "Alicia and the Underground Press," what does Didion feel a reader can be sure of when the writer allows their bias to exist?
(a) You can be sure the writer is unprofessional.
(b) You can be sure the writer's goal is to change your mind.
(c) You can be sure the writer will tell you what s/he truly thinks.
(d) You can be sure the writer will be dishonest.

Short Answer Questions

1. Though Didion agrees that writing in underground newspapers is often "amateurish and badly written," she disagrees with what sentiment?

2. In "On Being Unchosen by the College of One's Choice," what does Joan say her friend was disappointed about in her 4-year-old's reference letters?

3. Which friend of Hemingway and his wife does Didion mention at the start of "Last Words"?

4. What year was Walter Davis from "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles" stationed in Holland?

5. What wife of Hemingway's is mentioned at the start of "Last Words"?

(see the answer key)

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