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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. At what age does the narrator of Sparks have her first sexual encounter with Duer?

2. Who did Ellen spend three years caring for?

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

4. What does the word "Spark" in the tile refer to?

5. Which of the following is a literary device used in The Break-up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of having an unnamed character in Lust?

2. Describe the concluding scene in Lunch with Harry.

3. Describe the character development in City Night.

4. Describe the character of Duer.

5. Describe Nicholas.

6. Why is the first person perspective important in the story Sparks?

7. Describe the narrator in the story Blow.

8. Describe Bill.

9. Does the narrator of Lust enjoy sexual activity? How do you know?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

How is dialogue used to advance some of the stories in this collection? What purpose does Susan Minot give to dialogue?

Essay Topic 3

What is the purpose behind using an unnamed narrator to tell a story? Why did the author choose not to name many of the characters? What message do you think she was trying to send?

(see the answer keys)

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