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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. In "The Undefeated," what is the name of the specific bullfight that Retana agrees to let Manuel fight in?

2. In "The Undefeated," how many times does Manuel stab the bull before it dies?

3. What time do the two killers arrive to the restaurant in "The Killers"?

4. How old is the character Pinn in "A Simple Enquiry"?

5. Who does Manuel dedicate "this bull" to during the fight in "The Undefeated"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ole Andreson react when he hears from Nick that two killers are after him?

2. How does Jack maintain his relationship with his wife when he is training at Hogan’s in "Fifty Grand"?

3. Why does Jack have a difficult time sleeping in "Fifty Grand"?

4. How would you describe Jack’s attitude toward his fight?

5. How is the hospital described in “In Another Country”?

6. Why is Retana reluctant to have Manuel fight again?

7. What theme is the girl in "Hills Like White Elephants" suggesting by saying that they can never get their life back, once she has had the operation?

8. It is suggested that Jack does not like many people. How does he feel about Jerry in "Fifty Grand"?

9. Why does the major in "In Another Country" tell the young officer that no man should marry?

10. Why does Jack bet against himself in the fight in "Fifty Grand"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining the author’s choice to write 14 short stories instead of one cohesive whole. What purpose does the narrative structure serve in creating characters and portraying events? What message does he hope to leave the readers with?

Essay Topic 2

The setting of “Hills Like White Elephants” is a train. Write an essay exploring how the setting of a train contributes to the theme of change, transition, and/or loss.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay arguing which of the short stories contains the most literary merit. Describe the story and explain what literary aspects deem the story excellent.

(see the answer keys)

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