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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who encourages Mel to explore the topic of love?
(a) No one.
(b) His wife.
(c) Terri.
(d) Laura.

2. What effect may the alcohol have had on everyone besides Mel?
(a) They may have had a spike in blood sugar.
(b) They may have started to feel sick.
(c) They may have realized how ridiculous their ideas are.
(d) They may have become more inhibited.

3. To whom does Mel become abusive?
(a) Himself.
(b) Laura.
(c) Terri.
(d) Nick.

4. Which of the following is used as a symbol of lack of inhibition in the story?
(a) Alcohol.
(b) Prescription medication.
(c) Food.
(d) Cigarettes.

5. Which of the following terms refers to the literal definition of 'heart'?
(a) Symbolism.
(b) Denotation.
(c) Imagery.
(d) Connotation.

6. Why is Mel's story interrupted in the middle?
(a) He wants another drink.
(b) Laura wants to go to dinner.
(c) Terri becomes irritated.
(d) Nick falls asleep.

7. What does Terri think of the other couple's relationship?
(a) It is innocent and will change after awhile.
(b) It is unclear because the narrator fails to recount Terri's dialogue.
(c) It is horrible and she is glad hers isn't like it.
(d) It is wonderful and inviting.

8. Which character has the dominant role in the story?
(a) Nick.
(b) Terri.
(c) Mel.
(d) Laura.

9. What do the characters talk about after Mel is finished with his story?
(a) The weather outside.
(b) Nothing.
(c) Where to go for dinner.
(d) Their feelings for each other.

10. What are Mel and the other characters able to talk about after they loosen up?
(a) Health problems.
(b) Secret fantasies.
(c) Real love.
(d) Their career goals.

11. Which of the following techniques does the author use in his story?
(a) Imagery.
(b) Anthropomorphism.
(c) Hyperbole.
(d) Alliteration.

12. Which of the following is the resolution to the story of the old couple?
(a) There is no resolution.
(b) They realize that they are not meant to be together.
(c) They recover and are discharged from the hospital.
(d) They both end up dying.

13. According to Mel, did Terri love her ex-boyfriend?
(a) No, she only thought she did.
(b) The author does not address this topic.
(c) Yes, she must have.
(d) She loved him only after he died.

14. What can describe Mel's behavior as the conversation progresses?
(a) Withdrawn.
(b) Loving.
(c) Repressed.
(d) Animated.

15. Who can be said to be Mel's foil in this story?
(a) Ed.
(b) Terri.
(c) Laura.
(d) Nick.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is a symbol in this story?

2. What term best describes Mel's nature?

3. What seems to help Mel and the other characters loosen up?

4. How does the tone change as the story progresses?

5. What time of day does this story end?

(see the answer keys)

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