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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Trumpet of the Swan, 1966-1970.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What response does White offer to a confused student at Newton High School?
(a) A style of writing is like an alter-ego for a writer.
(b) He never set out to achieve an identifiable style in his writing.
(c) He set out to deliberately achieve an identifiable style in his writing.
(d) A style of writing is like a coat that a writer puts on.

2. How does White refer to his work in Washington in a March 2, 1942 letter to John Fleming?
(a) A painful, but important task.
(b) A necessary and rewarding task.
(c) A nearly-impossible task.
(d) An impossible task.

3. Writing under a nom de plume, what does White express concern over?
(a) The changes in the design of sailing boats.
(b) The excessive number of movie critics.
(c) The disappearance of the American touring car.
(d) The lack of quality news stories.

4. According to White's letter to Katharine, what is "man's ancient privilege"?
(a) Living a whimsical life.
(b) Living an organized life.
(c) Living a thought-provoking life.
(d) Living a reasonable life.

5. In a letter to Robert Coates, what does White say he used to facilitate his recovery of swollen throat muscles?
(a) Gin.
(b) Gingerale.
(c) Whiskey.
(d) Club soda.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a letter to James Thurber, what injury does White sustain while falling onto an awning?

2. What poet does White parody in a December, 1918 letter to his mother?

3. How does White explain his fascination with spiders in a letter?

4. When do the Whites rent a cottage on the coast of Maine?

5. What possible excuse does White provide for the New Yorker's ignorance in his humorous letter of outrage in 1945?

(see the answer key)

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