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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 thinks all Americans despise tea?

2. In De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period, what is the narrator's most unrealistic wish for New York?

3. How much does the job the narrator applied for under the name, Jean de Daumier-Smith, pay?

4. What does Arthur put up with for five years?

5. What is Esme training herself to be?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the narrator and Bobby move back to New York nine years later?

2. Why does Sister Irma withdraw from classes at the art school?

3. Why does Arthur want to move to Connecticut?

4. Why is Sandra so worried about Lionel when he runs away in Down at the Dinghy?

5. Why is it ironic that the school closes down for not having a business license?

6. How does the story, Down at the Dinghy, end?

7. Why does Arthur call Lee in the first place of Pretty Mouth and Green my Eyes?

8. What do the pickles, key chain and goggles tell us about Lionel?

9. Why does Bobby move the family to Paris in 1929?

10. Why is the narrator so taken with Sister Irma?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dialogue is used heavily throughout the book. Cite examples of the use of dialogue that are especially memorable. Why is dialogue so important to this short story collection? How does it help the reader? What does dialogue keep from the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Coming of Age is a theme seen in a few of the stories, including The Laughing Man. Explore and discuss the theme and why it is used is more than one story. How is it used? Why does Salinger use a Coming of Age theme in several stories? How can any reader relate to this theme, especially your age group?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast your favorite story from Nine Stories to your least favorite story. Explain what you like and dislike from each story. Use specific examples from the book.

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