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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 "Widows," which phrase does Nell deem as Geriatric flirting?

2. What does the Freeforall look like?

3. In "A Dusty Lunch," Nell thinks Marty would have been doing what in earlier times?

4. What is the mood of "Airborne"?

5. What is the setting of "Airborne"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Brig do in his youth?

2. How does Hypatia feel about the way she is represented in art?

3. What trap is Inspector Maigret setting and what does Nell think about it?

4. What duty must Tom preform and what are his options after having fulfilled it?

5. How does Amber/Snail feel about Tyler’s lovemaking; what does she want?

6. What does Nell not want Stevie to do about her belief that Tig is not really gone and why?

7. How do the women respond to Hypatia’s death?

8. What is the Freeforall and who are the people in it?

9. Why did Darlene quit and what convinces her to return (in a non-official capacity)?

10. What happened to their friend with breast cancer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on how Atwood’s use of levity and humor helps her discuss serious issues in an approachable way. What elements of humor does she use to soften the blow of her more serious underlying themes? Draw examples from one to two of Atwood's short stories.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about why understanding the setting of “Two Scorched Men” is crucial for understanding the story’s meaning. How do you believe the story is shaped by the context of World War II?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay discussing how Atwood’s use of imagery and symbolism allows her characters to express feelings they are not fully comfortable with. Discuss how it allows the unspoken to be represented. Reference one or two stories in the collection.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 873 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample