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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. When the narrator of Lust gets in trouble for sexual activity on school grounds, where is it suggested that she go from then on?

2. What does Tim say he was about to do?

3. According to Bill, which word describes the narrator of Blow's new boyfriend?

4. What is the party host's relationship with his wife in Lunch with Harry?

5. Which of the following are names of two party guests in Sparks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Harry from Lunch with Harry.

2. Describe Emma from Lunch with Harry.

3. What does the title in the story Blow refer to?

4. What comments does Tim make that make Owen feel uncomfortable?

5. According to the story Lunch with Harry, what are European values?

6. Are Harry, Emma, and Jane sympathetic characters? Why or why not?

7. What is the relevance of the title Sparks?

8. Describe the tone of the story The Break-up.

9. What is the author's message behind the story Lust?

10. What effect does Tim's break up with his girlfriend have on Liz and Owen's relationship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical response to this collection of short stories. What elements of the stories are good? What elements are bad? How would you improve upon the stories if you were the writer?

Essay Topic 2

How are the titles of the short stories relevant to the stories themselves? Choose three titles and discuss how each is relevant to the story it describes.

Essay Topic 3

How does Minot create characters that appear to be everyday people? What characteristics do Minot's characters possess that make them believable? Why is this important?

(see the answer keys)

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