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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who became targeted after the election and the "deluge of pardons" (4)?

2. How does Robbie's grandfather describe the moment when he woke from his dream and came back to the present time and place?

3. Why did Robbie's grandparents stop cursing Republican Senators or suggesting someone organize a march?

4. What does Robbie's grandfather say the system as he and his wife knew it was like?

5. What does Robbie's grandfather say they are "sheltering...through a dark period" (6)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What language does Robbie's grandfather use to describe the president, particularly when explaining why he did not think things could go so far?

2. What are some of the things Robbie's grandparents tried to do during the critical period, before essentially giving up?

3. What household and medical bills were Robbie's grandparents incurring during what he calls the "critical period" (4)?

4. What happened in the dream Robbie's grandfather had the night before writing the letter?

5. Why did Robbie's grandparents stop saying anything about what was going on "during this critical period" (4)?

6. Why would it have been fruitless for Robbie's grandfather to "harangue the officials" (5) in Waterville?

7. What "crude metaphor" (4) does Robbie's grandfather use to explain how he and his wife and others became inured to what was happening?

8. Why were Robbie's grandparents not "more extreme people" (5), according to him?

9. What were Robbie's grandparents doing nightly while the TV news blared in the other room pre and post election?

10. What does Robbie's grandfather admit he regrets during the "critical period" (4) before the election?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Saunders's language style and word choice in "Love Letter." What are some words that stand out to you and why? What words are repeated? What words are most impactful? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

"Love Letter" is an epistolary piece of fiction. Write an essay analyzing Saunders' choice to utilize this method for the story. Define epistolary and describe what makes this piece fall under that category. Discuss why you think Saunders chose this and whether you think it was effective.

Essay Topic 3

Write a brief essay analyzing the title "Love Letter." Explore the ways in which this title connects to the plot and themes of the story.

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