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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. In "Why I Write," Didion says that the image that played into her story the most in Book of Common Prayer came from when she was at an airport in which country?
(a) Sweden.
(b) Portugal.
(c) Colombia.
(d) Panama.

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?
(a) Nobody mentioned her songwriting skills.
(b) Nobody mentioned she was potty-trained.
(c) Nobody mentioned her interest in art.
(d) Nobody mentioned how much money her parents made.

3. Among what other items does Joan's rejection letter sit in a drawer at her mother's house in "On Being Unchosen by the College of One's Choice"?
(a) Dead batteries and outdated electrical cords.
(b) Joan's journals and publications.
(c) Bridesmaid photographs and dried butterfly orchids.
(d) Junk mail and old keys.

4. How old is Walter Davis' son in "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles"?
(a) 22.
(b) 14.
(c) 9.
(d) 18.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Nancy tell Joan she does not believe in being at the end of "Pretty Nancy"?

2. What are the underground newspapers Didion describes in "Alicia and the Underground Press" able to do that mainstream papers are not?

3. In "Why I Write," Didion refers to writing as "the tactic of a secret" what?

4. In "Telling Stories," what does Didion say many publications gave as a reason for not publishing "When Did Music Come This Way"?

5. In "Pretty Nancy," what does Joan say Nancy's husband is the "definition of" (35)?

(see the answer key)

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