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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 Chapter 8, why is Maddie glued to her phone on Christmas morning?

2. In Chapter 10, what is one reason Vivian does not like surprises?

3. In Chapter 7, where does Julia catch sight of Malcolm and Vivian kissing?

4. In Chapter 9, what is the name of the man who is very obnoxious at the restaurant Malcolm takes Vivian to?

5. In Chapter 9, what does Malcolm tell Vivian was Miles's good news when she asks about it?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 8, what causes the argument between Malcolm and Miles on Christmas Day?

2. In Chapter 12, what does Miles forget to leave at Malcolm's apartment, and why is this significant?

3. In Chapter 7, what does Vivian like about Malcolm's voice?

4. In Chapter 10, what is Vivian immediately impressed with when she walks into Malcolm's apartment for the first time?

5. In Chapter 10, how does Malcolm explain his strange behavior from his first day in London with Vivian to her?

6. In Chapter 7, what does Vivian often do when faced with a big decision?

7. In Chapter 8, what does Miles say to Malcolm during their argument that is particularly hurtful to Malcolm?

8. In Chapter 8, what does Malcolm tell Vivian about Miles's big news from Christmas Day?

9. In Chapter 8, why is Maddie glued to her phone on Christmas morning?

10. In Chapter 12, how does Vivian handle Miles's surprise visit to Malcolm's flat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Guillory makes a point of highlighting how different characters respond to Vivian upon first meeting her; she seems to put most people at ease. Write an essay discussing how and why Guillory highlights Vivian's appeal to other characters in the book, and explore how Guillory's descriptions of Vivian's interactions with other people contributes to the development and exposition of Vivian's character.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing Guillory's handling of descriptive sex scenes in the novel, like those in Chapter Ten, between two characters (Vivian and Malcolm) who are well into middle age.

Essay Topic 3

How would you describe the early interactions between Vivian and Malcolm, and how do Vivian's and Malcolm's communications with each other change after their first kiss in Chapter Five? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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