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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Edward thinks about the short biographies he wants to write, which publisher does he imagine publishing his works?
(a) Doubleday.
(b) Little, Brown, and Company.
(c) Penguin Books.
(d) Harcourt Mifflin.

2. Violet tells Edward that nuclear war is the modern equivalent of what?
(a) The Biblical Apocalypse.
(b) The Burning Bush.
(c) The Pantheon.
(d) The Great Flood.

3. Edward is permitted to lie on Florence's bed as long as it is daytime and she is doing what activity?
(a) Painting.
(b) Practicing the piano.
(c) Practicing the violin.
(d) Sitting at the desk.

4. What is NOT one of the items listed by the narrator as one of the few new foods at Florence's house that he actually enjoys heartily?
(a) Butternut squash.
(b) Fresh figs.
(c) Freshly ground coffee.
(d) Confit of duck.

5. How old is Edward's father Geoffrey when Edward is courting Florence?
(a) 50.
(b) 55.
(c) 45.
(d) 60.

Short Answer Questions

1. A symphony by which composer is playing on the stereophonic record player the first time Edward tells Florence that he loves her?

2. What is NOT one of the possible reasons Edward lists for Florence's decision to marry him, after he has decided that Florence does not really love him?

3. Which musician's records does Edward try to make Florence love without success?

4. When Edward thinks of his future daughter with Florence becoming a musician, which instrument does he not "entirely rule out" (153)?

5. Florence likens her one moment of stirring sensual passion to what historical event?

Short Essay Questions

1. What observations does Edward provide about the relationship between Geoffey and his daughter Florence?

2. When Edward decides that Florence has deceived him about their love, what reasons does Edward consider for why Florence might be marrying him?

3. What does the narrator name as Edward's main source of information about women?

4. How does Edward's analysis of the situation with Harold Mather change over a matter of weeks?

5. What qualities of fistfights appeal to Edward?

6. How is irony present within the narrator's statement that "It crossed Edward's mind, barely seriously, that he was rather too keen to give his daughter away" (140)?

7. When the narrator asks what is stopping the couple from joyously and freely moving to consummate their marriage, what is the narrator's provided reply?

8. What does Edward say would likely have happened if he had beaten Geoffrey in a tennis match?

9. What is the author's purpose for introducing Edward's memory about the combine harvester?

10. Who is Harold Mather and what is the significance of his character?

(see the answer keys)

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